The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Year of Dickens 2012 carries on throughout February—Charles Dickens’s birthday month! Mr. Dickens officially turns 200 on February 7, but we're celebrating all month long! With more literary salons, a birthday celebration, and readings over breakfast at The Dandelion, February’s events appeal to all ages.

• Readings at The Dandelion
Sundays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. | The Dandelion Pub
The Dandelion will host readings from A Boy Called Dickens and Usborne’s Illustrated Stories from Dickens for children ages 4 through 9. Tea cakes and scones will be served as the kids gather round the fireplace for the storytelling. After the reading, adults can feast on a hearty English breakfast for $13 or breakfast and a 20oz cask beer for $20. Each reading will be capped at 20 guests. Call 215-558-2500 for more information or to make a reservation.

• Special Saturday Hours at the Rare Book Department
Saturday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Rare Book Department, Parkway Central Library
As a part of Dickens’s birthday festivities, the Rare Book Department will hold special Saturday hours for visitors to view the "From the Desk of Charles Dickens" exhibition from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Be on the lookout for a special guest who might be on hand to reclaim a place at his desk!

• Happy Birthday, Dickens!
Saturday, February 11, 2:00 p.m. | Parkway Central Library
The Children’s Department at Parkway Central will throw a 200th birthday party for Charles Dickens, featuring the Library’s very own Dickens impersonator, who will be on hand for a storytime reading and to blow out the candles on his birthday cake.

• Literary Salon – Oliver Twist
Thursday, February 16, 6:30 p.m. | Elkins Room, Parkway Central Library
This month’s literary salon will focus on Oliver Twist. Click here to register.

The Free Library’s Year of Dickens 2012 will run until the end of the year. For more information, visit freelibrary.org/dickens.