LAPLACE — The St. John Parish Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week with a three-day event that marks the occasion and sends the establishment into its next half century.

All branches of the library will hold a simultaneous balloon release at 4 p.m. Thursday. The first 50 patrons at each branch also will enjoy cupcakes.

At 6 p.m. Friday, a ceremony with public officials will be held at the Main Branch of the library, located at 2920 U.S. 51 in LaPlace. There will be food, music and a historical exhibit with rooms decorated from the various decades. In addition, patrons will be able to receive a limited number of commemorative library cards. Anyone who receives one of the special cards that day also will have all their fines expunged.

Saturday is Kids’ Day, with food, music, crafts and an outdoor game truck.

The theme of the event is, “From the printed page to the digital age.”