Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
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Contact: Communications and Development
FREE LIBRARY’S YEAR OF DICKENS 2012 PRESENTS TWO EXHIBITIONS FROM THE RARE BOOK DEPARTMENT’S CHARLES DICKENS COLLECTION
EXHIBITIONS TO FEATURE DICKENS’S PERSONAL EPHEMERA, ALONG WITH MANUSCRIPTS AND ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS
PHILADELPHIA, PA November 11, 2011—In honor of the Free Library’s Year of Dickens 2012, which celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of “The Inimitable,” the Rare Book Department will showcase some of the many highlights from its extensive Charles Dickens Collection with special exhibitions running throughout the year.
The first exhibition, “From the Desk of Charles Dickens,” opens November 28, 2011 and runs through May 25, 2012 in the Rare Book Department. It paints a comprehensive portrait of the prolific author, featuring original manuscripts, first editions of Dickens’s published works, and books and letters from his private collections in addition to Dickens’s personal items like his pen tray, paper knife, and writing desk.
And running December 2, 2011 through March 23, 2012 in the West Gallery at Parkway Central Library, “Character Sketches from the World of Charles Dickens” brings Dickens’s celebrated characters to life within the settings of the author’s novels. Both through the work of illustrators who knew Dickens and those who were later inspired by his timeless creations, “Character Sketches” offers a special look at Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Ebenezer Scrooge, and other favorites.
“I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to share our Charles Dickens Collection—one of the biggest in the world—by way of these exciting exhibitions,” said Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director of the Free Library. “They’re a fantastic way to get a deeper look into Dickens’s life and legacy, and I know that they will inspire curiosity in all who view them.”
In addition to these and future exhibitions, the Year of Dickens 2012 includes themed literary salons and happy hours, author events and performances, and a Dickens birthday celebration. More events will continue to be added over the coming months, so for up-to-date details, including times and locations for these and other events, please visit freelibrary.org/dickens.
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The Free Library of Philadelphia system consists of 49 branches, three regional libraries, the Parkway Central Library, and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. With more than 6 million visits annually, the Free Library is one of the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia.
11/21/2011
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850