Charles Dickens fans, this is your month.
The Williamsburg Regional Library is set to host a series of Dickens-themed events for fans of all ages, ranging from readings, to movies, to theatrical presentations, according to a library news release.
The programming started Tuesday with a Dickens read-a-thon, and is set to continue through Dec. 8 with “A Dickens Christmas” day-long series of family events.
This year’s month-long programming comes on the heels of January’s month-long Jane Austen series, which was “immensely popular,” the release said.
“We had such a great response from the community with our Jane-uary event earlier this year that we started brainstorming other authors with a similarly robust fan base,” said adult services librarian Neil Hollands. “Dickens seemed like a natural fit, especially as we approach the holiday season.”
One goal of the programming is to provide new insight into the famous author’s work, the release said.
On Thursday, Hollands will give a 30-minute talk about Dickens and his work, followed by a screening of “The Invisible Woman,” according to a schedule of Dickens events.
There will also be a free family Christmas carol marathon starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 25 at the James City County Library location, featuring four Christmas classics: “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol,” “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” and Disneys “A Christmas Carol.”
Attendees may bring their own blankets, soft chairs and snacks.
A Dickens Christmas on Dec. 8 will host a slew of events at the James City County Library, but the star event of the day will be the Virginia Theatre Machine’s presentation of “Master Thespian’s A Christmas Carol.”
Typically a Merchants Square seasonal staple, the performance is a “creative” version of the show based out of a trailer with props, seats and more, the release said. This is the first year the library has hosted the show.
“Foodatude… Food with Attitude,” an award-winning food truck will be at the library to serve food and beverages to show attendees.
“We are incredibly excited to be transforming the James City County Library into a Dickensian Christmas wonderland for this brand new event,” Hollands said. “We know that there are lots of holiday-related things to do around town this time of year, but we are hopeful that our users will jump at the chance to take part in something that is festive, educational, and completely free to attend.”
Other events in the month-long series include period-appropriate holiday crafts, talks about Dickens’ interest in child welfare and the history of the Cratchit family’s Christmas dinner, musical performances from area schools, readings of classic Victorian ghost stories, period games and dance demonstrations, and more, the release said.
For more information about any of the Dickens events, visit wrl.org/dickens or call the Reference Desk at 757-259-4050.
Williamsburg Regional Library consists of the James City County Library, the Stryker Center, and the Williamsburg Library and serves more than 85,000 people in the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County.
The James City County Library is located at 7770 Croaker Road.
The Williamsburg Library is located at 515 Scotland Street.
