Whether it's classic poems and literature, ties to Philadelphia, spooky undertones, or a great performance that interests you, the Free Library of Philadelphia's celebration of Edgar Allan Poe's 200th birthday has something for you - and the whole family!

The real party happens on Saturday, January 10, and Tuesday, January 13. Read about our free events below, and stop by Parkway Central to join the celebration and help us blow out the candles on the birthday cake!

An Afternoon with Edgar Allan Poe
Saturday, January 10, 1:00 p.m., Montgomery Auditorium
Attend a performance of renowned Poe impersonator David Keltz.

200th Birthday Celebration
Saturday, January 10, 2:00 p.m., Main Lobby
Celebrate Poe’s birthday with cake, giveaways, and fun for the whole family.

Poe’s Helen Remembers
Saturday, January 10, 3:00 p.m., Elkins Room, Rare Book Department, 3rd Floor
Watch an intimate portrait of Poe’s fiancée, Helen Whitman, performed by actress and National Park Ranger Helen McKenna-Uff.

The Great Poe Debate
Tuesday, January 13, 7:30 p.m., Montgomery Auditorium
Inspired by Edward Pettit’s 2007 City Paper article, “We’re Taking Poe Back,” and recently covered by the New York Times, the event will feature representatives from cities where Poe resided. Participants will debate which city is most worthy of Poe’s remains, and Pettit will represent Philadelphia.

The Rare Book Department in the Parkway Central Library is gearing up for a bash to celebrate Edgar Allan Poe’s 200th birthday. A special exhibition, Quoth the Raven: A 200 Year Remembrance of the Life and Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, has been on display in the Rare Book Department since October and will run through February 13, 2009. Fans of the American Romanticism writer can tour the exhibit to see rare manuscripts and first editions, as well as Poe family heirlooms and Grip, Charles Dickens’ pet raven and the inspiration behind Poe’s most famous poem. If you're interested in learning more about Poe and his work, click here for a variety of resources that will help start you on your way.
 

This is that time of the year when we start to see a multitude of "Best of...." lists.  One of my favorites is always The New York Times "Notable Books of..." for whatever year we happen to be ending.  This year's list isn't officially released until Sunday, December 7, but it's already firmly ensconced in their "most emailed" articles.  So, don't be left out!  Take a look at the attached link to the NYT's vote for "100 Notable Books of 2008" to see how many of these books you have read!  Are there any surprises for you?  Any titles that you think should have been included? 

The Free Library already owns all but one or two of these titles, and we'll be getting those shortly, so take a moment to peruse this rich and very diverse list and click to our catalog to reserve a copy of one or more of these titles.  These lists always make me feel somewhat ill-read, but they are also inspiring.  I see more than one or two titles that I'm going to make sure I read in the new year.  How about you? 

Tags: Recommendations