By DANA BORICK
"It Starts with a Story" is the theme of the 14th annual Victorian Christmas event, so it's fitting that this year's tour features a new historical location that's full of stories - the James V. Brown Library.
This is the first year the library has been a part of Victorian Christmas, which features tours of homes, museums and churches, along with other activities to benefit Preservation Williamsport. Events will be held Nov. 16 to 18 in Williamsport.
"We want to emphasize our connection to downtown Williamsport," said Robin Glossner, director of development for the library. "We also want to show off our Moltz Rotunda and beautiful arch."
The all-volunteer committee has been working since February to prepare for this event, which grows each year, said Jennifer Albarano, Victorian Christmas committee member.
Albarano said that each year the committee tries to find ways to work with local nonprofits. Last year was the first year the Thomas T. Taber Musuem collaborated and this year is the first for the library.
"The library will decorate the Rotunda for Christmas and host an exhibit about Charles Dickens's life," Albarano said.
Glossner said members of the library's staff saw the Charles Dickens exhibit at the Free Library in Philadelphia earlier this year and wanted to bring it to Williamsport. The exhibit will open during Victorian Christmas and be on display through January, due to a partial sponsorship by Airmen, a local heating and air conditioning company.
Glossner said the library is excited to participate this year and hopes to continue to be a part of future Victorian Christmas events. Each stop on the mansion tour will feature a theme inspired by a Victorian book or author.
Based on feedback from previous events, Albarano said this year's event will feature "Food on Fourth" so people can eat, view the featured tour stops and enjoy the day.
Traditions continue this year at 1315 Campbell St., where local artisans will showcase and sell their work, along with the ever-popular Toy Train display at Park Place and the annual DuBoistown Garden Club show at Lycoming College.
Albarano said the purpose of the event is to educate the public about the architecture and craftsmanship of the past, along with educating children about the beautiful architecture in the city.
Although it is a costly event to produce each year, Albarano said the organization has applied for and received several sponsor-
