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Starting next week, view some of Dickens's earliest published works, his private correspondence, original art based on his richly imagined stories, and objects that he kept near him while writing, as part of the Free Library's Year of Dickens. (Image courtesy Free Library)

2012 is the 200th birthday of renowned author Charles Dickens, and the Free Library is celebrating all year long.

The official kick-off event was the Dickens Idol Contest, an open call audition to find a local actor who best embodies Charles Dickens. The results are in: Lisa Litman of Bala Cynwyd will be Philadelphia’s Charles Dickens throughout the year’s festivities.

Next up on the roster of activities are two exhibitions of rarely seen Dickens artifacts.

The first exhibition, “From the Desk of Charles Dickens,” opens November 28 and runs through May 25 in the Rare Book Department. It features original manuscripts, first editions of Dickens’s published works, and books and letters from his private collections in addition to personal items like his pen tray, paper knife and writing desk.

And running December 2 through March 23 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, the exhibit offers a special look at Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Ebenezer Scrooge and other iconic favorites.

The Free Library of Philadelphia has one of the largest collections of Dickens’s works and personal effects outside of the UK, and these two exhibitions are a wonderful showcase for that impressive treasure trove.

Check out the Year of Dickens event calendar to see what else is in store.

The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Year of Dickens
When: Now through 2012
Where: Throughout the city
Cost: Free
More info: libwww.freelibrary.org

Previously: The Free Library Is Honoring The 200th Birthday Of Charles Dickens With A Year-Long Celebration: Literary Salons, Dickens Idol Contest, Victorian London Specials At The Dandelion And Much More