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Meet an actual relative of Charles Dickens when he visits Philadelphia this Friday, December 9. (Photo courtesy Dickens)

Philadelphia’s Dickens delirium continues with a visit from Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great grandson of Charles Dicken himself.

Gerald is coming to the Free Library this Friday, December 9 to help celebrate his ancestor’s upcoming 200th birthday, and supplement the Free Library’s year-long celebration of the famed writer, complemented by other festivals and events throughout the city (read all about those additional celebrations here).

The Free Library will mark Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday milestone by Gerald a private tour of their world-renowned Dickens collection.

Philadelphia is not only home to one of the finest Dickens literary collections in the world, but also has one of only two statues of the British author anywhere, in Clark Park. The only other monument is in Australia, but is not life-size like the one in West Philly. Gerald will visit Clark Park as part of his trip here, as well.

Gerald tours the U.S. every holiday season with his one-man show of “A Christmas Carol,” in which he plays the roles of all 26 characters. Byers’ Choice, makers of the world-famous, handcrafted Caroler figurines, will host these performances at its Chalfont workshop on Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m., and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 10. Get tickets here.

Says Gerald, “It is especially important to recognize Charles’ birthday in Philadelphia, as my great-great grandfather was particularly fond of the city. This is part of the reason why I come back to perform in this area each year, and why I look forward to celebrating his 200th birthday at the library.”

Don’t miss a second of the library’s multi-faceted Dickens festivities; there’s truly something for everyone all year long.

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