EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, Gerald Dickens, will continue to interact with and act for patrons of the Mid-Continent and Ray County library systems for free this month.

“A professional actor in England, the energetic (Gerald) Dickens – who has been performing for (Mid-Continent) audiences for more than 25 years – leaps, laughs and sobs as he portrays the voices of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ bringing the classic to life with his dramatic rendition and striking resemblance to his great-great-grandfather,” Mid-Continent information stated.

Dickens performed for the video in Rochester, England, one of Charles Dickens’ inspiration sources.

Patrons who wish to view the video must register in advance at mymcpl. org/Dickens. They will then receive an emailed coupon code to view the special 75-minute performance through Vimeo, an online service.

There are four times the show will be available: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15; 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19; 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21; and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22.

In addition to the performance, Dickens will talk to fans of his acting skills and of his ancestor’s work. The final session is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Advance registration is required for the Q and As at mymcpl.org/Dickens.

Participants will be emailed a Zoom access code 15 minutes before the start of the program. Participants must sign into the room before the program starts. Admittance to the classroom will close five minutes after the program’s start time and space is limited.

NOTE FOR RAY COUNTIANS

RICHMOND – When registering online for the Dickens programs, Ray County Library patrons will come across a request for library card number, which should be answered by continuing as a “guest.”

Ray County Library shares resources with Mid-Continent Library in the Kansas City metropolitan area.