MARS — Upcoming events will raise awareness of and financially benefit the borough library.

Vince Gadrix, director of the Mars Public Library, said the library will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 known as Mars Public Library Day.

The event, which will be at the library on Grand Avenue rain or shine, will offer activities for children and adults.

Gadrix said except for a children’s story time from 10 to 10:45 a.m., all of the programs are for anyone. They are:

• A model train display by the Western Pennsylvania Railroad Museum all day

• Fossils: In Search of Prehistoric Clues from 11 a.m. to noon. Children will receive a small fossil from presenter Alex Gladis.

• A petting zoo from noon to 3 p.m.

• Historic Mars presented by the Mars History and Landmark Society

• Learn to use a telescope by the Kiski Astronomers from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Face painting all day

Gadrix said the purpose of Library Day is to welcome residents to the library and showcase its fun and educational programs.

While the Mars Public Library Day attracted about 300 people last year, Gadrix expects a higher turnout this year because library officials have been promoting it.

“We’re really excited about it,” Gadrix said. “We wanted to make it special by having this inter-generational programming.”

Hot dogs, soft drinks and other refreshments will be available, Gadrix said.

But unlike the Mars Public Library Day, the third annual Mars Public Library “Book It” 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk is a fundraiser.

That will be at 9 a.m. May 9 at the Treesdale Community Center. Gadrix said registration begins at 8 a.m., and all runners and walkers will receive a T shirt for the $20 entry fee.

“Every year it gets a little bigger,” Gadrix said of the 5K and fun walk.

Last year’s event attracted about 50 runners and walkers. He hopes to have about 75 this year.

Mars Mayor Gregg Hartung said the Library Day event raises awareness about the programs and activities offered at the library.

“The library is important because it is one of the most well-used resources is the municipality,” Hartung said. “It makes for having a better community.”