Caestecker

Public Library

Friends of the Caestecker Public Library

Newsletter - Dickens Fest edition

We have so many things happening in November I will need a couple of newsletters to fit them all in. This first missive is devoted to our fourth annual literary festival, and this year's honoree - Charles Dickens!

There are screenings of five feature films, recording of a one-man play, an appearance by Mrs. Dickens, a program by festival favorite and Ripon College professor emeritus Doug Northrop, and a presentation by author Rochelle Pennington all packed into the first half of the month. Even our Constant Reader Book Club is getting into the spirit and reading A Christmas Carol as their November selection.

The complete Dickens Fest lineup is detailed in the sidebar to the right. Whether you take in just one or all of the films and special programs, you are invited to tea on Sunday the 15th following Rochelle's presentation. It seems the proper sendoff for our 2015 festival.

Join us, won't you?

Linda DeNell, Director

Caestecker Public Library

Upcoming Events

Sunday, 11/1 We kick off Dickens fest with a screening of David Copperfield at 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/3 Tonight we're watching the Old Curiosity Shop at 6:30.

Thursday, 11/5 Mrs. Charles Dickens visits the library this evening! Come explore the Women of Dickens at 6:30.

Saturday, 11/7 Tell the kids! Disney adapted Oliver Twist into Oliver and Company, which we will watch at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, 11/8 We will watch a more faithful adaptation of Oliver Twist this afternoon starting at 2:00.

Tuesday, 11/10 The Constant Reader Book Club discusses A Christmas Carol at 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/10 Ripon College professor emeritus Doug Northrop presents "Dickens' Heroines: The Angel in the House" tonight at 6:30.

Thursday, 11/12 Tonight we're watching Simon Callow's one-man performance of The Mystery of Charles Dickens at 6:30.

Saturday, 11/14 Another film for the whole family - this one is the Muppet Christmas Carol at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, 11/15 Dickens Fest wraps up with author Rochelle Pennington presenting the Hidden History of Dickens' A Christmas Carol at 2:00, followed by tea.

Mrs. Dickens visits the library on
Thursday evening, November 5th.

The Women of Dickens

Novelist Charles Dickens is celebrated for his masterful portrayals of the hundreds of characters who populate his stories. Many of these characters were drawn from his life - family, friends, acquaintances. His long-suffering wife, Catherine, comes through in a few of them. And on Thursday, November 5th, we get to hear her side of the stories.

As portrayed by Jessica Michna, "Mrs. Dickens" will give audience members a look inside the Dickens household. She will also introduce some of her husband's famous female characters, including Nancy from Oliver Twist and Miss Havisham from Great Expectations. This is a program you won't want to miss. Mrs. Dickens arrives at the library at 6:30 p.m.

Author Rochelle Pennington presents "The Hidden History of Dickens' A Christmas Carol" on Sunday afternoon, November 15th.

The Hidden History of Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is one of the most popular books ever written about many readers' favorite holiday. Author Rochelle Pennington arrives at the library on Sunday, November 15, to help us learn some of the secrets behind this famous story.

What events inspired Carol to be written? Who was it written for? How did Dickens' novel "single-handedly resurrect" Christmas at a time when factories were open and churches were closed on December 25th? By 1900, A Christmas Carol had sold more copies throughout the world than any other book except the Bible. There have been numerous movie adaptations, stage presentations, and parodies both written and visual. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and "Bah, humbug!" are as well known today as they were 150 years ago. Explore the stories behind this beloved, enduring story.

Rochelle's program begins at 2:00, and we will have tea afterwards. Please join us.

About Us

Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoyed our email, but if you would rather not receive future issues, just click the "safe unsubscribe" button below. See you at the library!