Library Celebrates Its History and Flower Power with 1966 Party

It was 1966.

The Beatles were so big that John Lennon said, “We are more popular than Jesus.”

Gas was, gulp, 32 cents per gallon.

And the was moving its new home in , a remarkable site designed by architect Donn Emmons and landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, with Richard O'Hanlon later creating the landmark sculpture out front.

As it nears the finish line of a year-long , the Mill Valley Library is using its for a to mark a related anniversary, that of its move to its current location in September 1966. The party is at the library from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

“It’s a celebration of the current library building we’re in,” said Kristen Clark, the library’s technical services supervisors and organizer of the 1966 party. “We have a number of ways we’re going to bring people back to that year.”

At the top of that list is The Dating Game, the popular game show from that era, featuring its original host, Mill Valley resident Jim Lange. Three women will be vying for a date with an eligible bachelor.

Library staffers are encouraging attendees to come in 60s dress, with a costume contest to pick the best female and male costumes. The night will be laden with 1960s-era trivia questions, Name That Tune-style games, Twister and classically 60s hors d’oeuvres like pigs in a blanket and Cheese Wiz on crackers.

In addition, Trip Carpenter, son of Art Carpenter, who crafted much of the furniture for the original library, will give a presentation about his dad's work.

The 411: The party is at the Mill Valley library, 375 Throckmorton Ave., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, ages 15 and up. Space is limited, so registration is recommended. Go to the library’s website to register, visit http://www.millvalleylibrary.org or call (415) 389-4292, x203.