THE Henry Bloom Noble Library in Douglas will be celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens next month.

On Wednesday, March 7 there will be readings from some of his works from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Refreshments will be provided and tickets are free for the event but must be collected in advance from the library's ground floor counter.

Charles Dickens was born on February 7 1812 in Portsmouth.

His novels - which include Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities - remain incredibly popular.

For more details of the event visit the library in Victoria Street, Douglas, or ring 696461.