Mt. Pleasant Public Library hosts annual Dinner in the Stacks fundraiser April 5

Ever wanted to pick Nathaniel Hawthorne’s brain on some of his most famous books, like “The Scarlet Letter,” “The House of the Seven Gables” or “Twice-Told Tales”?

It may not be with the actual Hawthorne, but first-person, in-character interpreter Rob Velella is set to play the part at the Mt. Pleasant Public Library’s Dinner in the Stacks fundraiser on April 5.

“We are realizing what creative things we can do with our library’s available space,” said Stacey DiPasquale, library board member. “It’s exciting to turn it into this unusual venue.”

Velella, who has portrayed author Edgar Allan Poe at the fundraiser in the past, said he hopes his portrayal of Hawthorne will give modern audiences a better understanding of Hawthorne’s brilliance.

Velella also served as the chairperson of events for the 150th anniversary of Hawthorne’s death in 2014, where his funeral was recreated using the same hearse that carried Hawthorne’s coffin in 1864.

The dinner is held at the library. Tickets are $25 for the public and $20 for Mt. Pleasant Library Association members. Association members must buy tickets at the library. Regular priced tickets can be bought online.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins at 6 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 724-547-3850 or email mountpleasant@WLNonline.org.