What the Dickens!

Ridgefield Library Presents: What the Dickens!
A Celebration of Charles Dickens on the Bi-Centennial of his Birth
December 2011 to March 2012

Join us for a multi-part, multi-media celebration of the life and work of Charles Dickens on the occasion of his 200th birthday. Revisit, or meet for the first time, some of literature's most memorable characters such as Scrooge, Oliver Twist, Pip, Miss Havisham and many others. There will be book discussions, lectures, films, a Victorian tea, and even a bus trip to the Morgan Library in Manhattan to see the Dickens at 200 exhibit.

Contact: Lesley Lambton, Adult Programs Director, 203-438-2282 x1013, lalambton@ridgefieldlibrary.org

Library Materials | Programs & Events | Program Sponsors & Partners | Recommended Links


Fiction	Non Fiction and Films	Children's

Library Materials

Circulating non-fiction materials, most reference books and non-fiction DVDs are shelved together in the stacks. Fiction titles and audiobooks on CD are in the Fiction Room. The author's work is also available in Ebook versions that are available for download from several websites.

Programs & Events

What the Dickens was a huge success with almost 1,000 people attending 20 Dickens related programs between December and March. An additional 1,000 people enjoyed Ridgefield's Victorian-themed Holiday Stroll and the Keeler Tavern's Holiday luncheons.

December 2011

A Christmas Carol Performed by the Hampstead Stage Company
Two performances for families with children 5 and older.
Friday, December 2 at 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM

Magic Lantern Theater Show
The American Magic Lantern Theater will have two performances of holiday stories told with hand-painted slides projected on a screen with dramatic narration and piano accompaniment. This program is appropriate for all ages but not suggested for children under 6.
Saturday, December 3, 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM

Holiday Stroll Weekend
In addition to the family programs taking place in the Dayton Program Room, enjoy Victorian carolers at locations around town this weekend and take a horse-drawn carriage ride along festive Main Street. Visit www.downtownridgefield.com for more information.
Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3

Christmas Luncheon and Holiday Boutique at the Keeler Tavern Museum
Victorian-themed Christmas Luncheons in the Garden House. Visit keelertavernmuseum.org or call 203-438-5484 for tickets.
Tuesday, December 6 to Saturday, December 10

A Christmas Carol: Film Screening and Discussion, led by Mark Edwards
Screening and discussion of the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim.
Saturday, December 10, 10:00 AM

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol: Film Screening For Families
Wednesday, December 28, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

January 2012

The Nonfictioneers Discuss American Notes by Charles Dickens, led by Nancy Boersma
"American Notes" is a lively chronicle of what was for Dickens an illuminating encounter with the New World. It is a candid record of Dickens' experiences from his uncomfortable sea voyage to his observation of the American character. His discerning criticism of American practices and habits is enlightening.
Tuesday, January 3, 7:00 PM

Oliver Twist: Film Screening and Discussion, led by Mark Edwards
Screening and discussion of the 1948 version directed by David Lean.
Saturday, January 7, 10:00 AM

Lecture: From Oliver to David to Pip, with Dr. Mark Schenker
A survey of Dickens' development as a novelist. Part 1 of 3: OLIVER TWIST (1839).
Click to listen to a recording of the lecture
Thursday, January 12, 7:00 PM

Book Discussion of Oliver Twist, led by Dorothy Pawlowski
Tuesday, January 17, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM

Charles Dickens at 200 Exhibit at the Morgan Library and Museum
Join us for a bus trip to New York for a curator led tour of the Morgan Library and the Dickens exhibit, $35 seniors (65 and over), $40 for adults.
Friday, January 20, leave Library 8:30 AM, return to Library around 5:00 PM

February 2012

What the Dickens: A Victorian Tea at Keeler Tavern Museum
A Victorian Tea and Entertainment in the Garden Room, $30 per person.
Saturday, February 4, 3:00 - 5:00 PM (Snow Date Feb. 11)

Founders Hall Book Discussion: Girl in a Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold, led by Mary Rindfleisch
A book discussion for members of Founders Hall
Thursday, February 9, 2:30 PM

David Copperfield: Film screening and discussion, led by Mark Edwards
Screening and discussion of the 1935 version directed by George Cukor.
Saturday, February 11, 10:00 AM

Lecture: From Oliver to David to Pip, with Dr. Mark Schenker
A survey of Dickens' development as a novelist. Part 2 of 3: DAVID COPPERFIELD (1850). Click here to listen to a recording of the lecture.
Thursday, February 16, 7:00 PM

Book Discussion of David Copperfield, led by Mary Rindfleisch
Wednesday, February 22, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM

Reading Is a Family Affair: The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randal Wright
Pizza dinner followed by a book discussion for children in Grades 3 to 6 accompanied by an adult. Visit Children’s Services to register and pick up your free book. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. As of 1/28/12, this program is FULL - thanks for your interest!
Wednesday, February 29, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

March 2012:

Book Discussion of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, led by Mary Rindfleisch
Thursday, March 1, 1:00 PM

Great Expectations: Film screening and discussion, led by Mark Edwards
Screening and discussion of the 1948 version directed by David Lean
Saturday, March 10, 10:00 AM

Lecture: From Oliver to David to Pip, with Dr. Mark Schenker
A survey of Dickens' development as a novelist. Part 3 of 3: GREAT EXPECTATIONS (1861).
Click to listen to a recording of the lecture
Thursday, March 15, 7:00 PM

Friends of the Library Book Discussion of Great Expectations
Thursday, March 22, 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

The Friends of the Library will present two discussions of Dickens' Great Expectations. The afternoon discussion will be led by local book group leader Brenda Chapman. This will be followed by an English tea. Please register.

The evening discussion will take place at 7 PM and will be led by retired Ridgefield English teacher Bob Cox. No registration required for this session.

Most programs take place at the Library, and registration is not required unless noted otherwise. Copies of the selected books can be purchased at Books on the Common at a 15% discount, or inquire at the Circulation Desk about in-house or Inter-Library Loan availability.