It’s been a century since the Claremont Public Library opened its doors at the corner of Yale and Second streets, where Pizza ‘n Such now stands.

Much has happened since then. To celebrate, the Friends of the Claremont Library has planned a year of events and activities, including a gala, children’s book festival and various book sales.

Several upcoming events include:

• The Party Parade Free to Read Centennial Gala and Historical Exhibition will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 22, in the Ginger Elliot Exhibition Center of the historic Garner House in Memorial Park.

Guests will be able to view a fascinating historical record of the library, sip champagne and eat light refreshments, and mix with friends and neighbors. The display will be available for viewing from March 21 to March 30. The On the Same Page committee will announce the title of this year’s city read at this event.

The event is cosponsored by Claremont Heritage and Friends of the Claremont Library. Admission is $35 per guest.

• The third annual Children’s Book Festival will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 29, in the meeting room and children’s wing of the library.

Admission is free.

Preschool and elementary school children and their families or caregivers are invited to the festival, where they can touch dinosaur bones, see a magician, learn how a telescope works, do art projects, listen to books being read by wonderful storytellers, and write about their experiences.

And at the end, all children can take home a couple of free books of their choice, while supplies last. This event is co-sponsored by a grant from the Library Foundation.

• Book Lovers and Antiquarian Book sales will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, May 3 and Dec. 6, in the meeting room of the library.