By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Writer Charles Dickens would have been 200-years-old on February 7th. The Philadelphia Free Library and a Center City restaurant are celebrating with special events.

The Free Library of Philadelphia is celebrating a year of Dickens for the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth. But, for his birthday month, there are some extra special things planned.

Listen to the CBS Philly podcast:

On February 11^th, you can tour the Rare Book Department. “We have one of the finest Dickens collections in the world with original objects that Dickens used photographs, manuscripts, letters and of courses some of his original novels in their original parts or in their original printings,” says Janine Pollock, head of the department.

Story continues below…

The Rare Books Department at the Free Library of Philadelphia. (Credit: John McDevitt)

Also on that that Saturday a birthday party will be held in the children’s section.

Literary salons continue: on February 16th Oliver Twist will be discussed. You’ll need to register for that one.

And there will be family-friendly readings of Dickens works every Sunday by the fireplace at the Dandelion Pub at 18th and Sansom Street.

For more information go to FreeLibrary.org/Dickens.