For its 2018 fundraising dinner, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation is tapping into “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”
The foundation has announced that Daniel Handler, who created the multimedia franchise under the pen name Lemony Snicket, will be the keynote speaker for its Authors & Illustrators Dinner on Nov. 7.
Written for a “tween” readership, the 13 books in Handler’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” collection tell the hard-luck story of the three plucky Baudelaire orphans.
Described variously as subversive, dark comedy or Gothic, they have sold more than 60 million copies and have been translated into 40 languages.
In 2017, Netflix began airing a TV adaptation with 45-minute episodes featuring Neil Patrick Harris. Season 2 of the Netflix series, based on books five through nine in the series, will begin airing on March 30.
(Entertainment industry news sources recently reported that the Netflix series will end with Season 3, when producers adapt books 10 through 13 — the final entry in the “Unfortunate Events” saga.)
A portion of the series was made into a full-length movie starring Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep and Jude Law in 2004. It received an Academy Award for makeup.
Handler also has written several novels for adults and children’s picture books under his real name.
“We are excited to have Daniel Handler as our featured speaker this year,” Rick Smithrud, executive director of the foundation, said in a news release. “His Lemony Snicket books have entertained millions of children. To hear firsthand how these memorable characters came to life will be inspiring and, I’m sure, most interesting.”
The dinner and silent auction is in its 18th year and is the nonprofit organization’s signature fundraiser. Speakers have included former first lady Laura Bush, John Lithgow, Nicholas Sparks, Diana Gabaldon, Brad Meltzer and Rebecca Skloot.
Proceeds help underwrite Fort Vancouver Regional Library programs.
The Nov. 7 event will be at the Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. Sixth St. Columbia Credit Union will again be the presenting sponsor.
The foundation has not announced information about ticket sales. For information about sponsorships or making a donation, call the foundation at 360-906-4700, or go to fvrlfoundation.org or facebook.com/fvrlfoundation.
