GARDEN GROVE’S MAIN LIBRARY is 50 years old (Orange County Tribune photo).

Garden Grove’s Main Library will be celebrating its 50th anniversary beginning next week with a variety of events including a presentation on local history by Tribune editor and publisher Jim Tortolano.

During the month of November, every new library card applicant will get a chance to enter into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card prize. There will be historical picture displays and a wall to write down what you love about the library. From Nov 17-23 there will be an open house including the historical talk, a puppet show, and a performance by the Garden Grove High School Chamber Band, refreshments and cake.

“GARDEN GROVE, A History of the Big Strawberry” was written by Jim Tortolano. He will speak Sunday at the Garden Grove Main Library on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Additionally, there will be an information session about the library’s in-person and online services and materials.

Here are more details about the events.

• History: Tortolano, author of “Garden Grove: A History of the Big Strawberry.” will be in the library on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 1-2:30 p.m. to speak about the community’s founding in 1874 through its changes and growth to the present day. The program is free and no registration is required.
• Music: Garden Grove High School’s Chamber String Ensemble will perform on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m., followed by refreshments.
• Puppet Show: “The Reluctant Dragon” family puppet show will be performed on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. by the Luce Puppet Company. It’s for kids 3 to 11 years old.
• Celebration and Information: The official “birthday party” for the library will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 at noon with refreshments and a cake. At 1 p.m., there will be a session about what the library offers in resources and services.

The two-story Main Library (originally Garden Grove Regional Library) opened its doors in 1969. It succeeded the much smaller previous main library on Main Street located on land now occupied by the Daisy Apartments complex.

The library is located at 11200 Stanford Ave., (east of Euclid Street and across from GGHS). For more information, call (714) 530-0711. Library hours Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.