Popular actor/author coming to Marysville City Park
By Barb Pert Templeton
Actor Henry Winkler may be beloved for his portrayal of “The Fonz” on the Happy Days television series from the 1970’s but he’s also a popular children’s book author.
In fact, Winkler will be coming to our area on Friday, Aug. 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. as a guest of the St. Clair County Library System. He will read ‘Here’s Hank,’ a book that was the first in a series that now includes eight titles and is listed under children’s chapter books, for first, second and third graders.
The announcement about Winkler’s appearance in Marysville has been so well received, with over 300 registering for the event and dozens more on a waiting list, that the venue has been changed. The event will now take place at Marysville City Park, at the bandshell, and all are welcome to stop by with no registration required.
An event that will include actor/author Henry Winkler stopping in Marysville next week to read and autograph his children’s book, ‘Here’s Hank’ promises to draw a huge crowd.
Winkler will read ‘Here’s Hank’ and then copies of the book will be available to purchase at the park. Dubbed ‘a very kid-friendly event’ by the library system, there will also be an opportunity to purchase autographed copies of Winkler’s book and take pictures.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with SCCLS Director Allison Arnold to pose some questions about how this event landed on the library’s schedule.
Blue Water Healthy Living: How did this event come about – having Henry Winkler visit the library?
SCCLS Director Allison Arnold: SCCLS was contacted by Mr. Chris Troy who is part of the Marysville Hot Wheels Weekend. They booked Mr. Winkler for their event and Mr. Winkler’s people had suggested that he would like to come early and do something at the local library. Mr. Winkler is an author who supports libraries and literacy – so we thought it would be a great partnership. Mr. Winkler’s program for SCCLS is due to the wonderful folks of Marysville Hot Wheels Weekend and their motivation to include SCCLS in this opportunity.
BWHL: Will this be the first time the library’s hosting Mr. Winkler? Will he read his book?
Arnold: Yes. SCCLS has not had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Winkler in the past. Yes, he intends to read from his book.
BWHL: Can you share a bit about his children’s book “Here’s Hank”? Theme or topic?
Arnold: Here’s Hank is a bestselling series that is a prequel of Mr. Winkler’s first series entitled Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever. The Here’s Hank series explores Hank’s life as a second grader and his difficulties with school as a dyslexic child.
BWHL: Will those in attendance be able to ask Mr. Winkler questions or take photos with him?
Arnold: Yes. Mr. Winkler has been very gracious. His people will be selling his book and he is happy to sign and participate in photos.
BWHL: How much space does the library have for this event?
Arnold: As I mentioned above, we worked with Marysville Hot Wheels Weekend and, at their suggestion, decided that we would move the program to the park. Initially we set the cap for registrations at 300. We met that number and had a substantial waiting list. The folks at MHWW also had a large number of interested people. The Marysville Library would not have been able to safely accommodate that many – BUT we are SO EXCITED that we are able to pivot, move venues, and meet the demand.
BWHL: Do patrons have to register in-advance to attend this event? How can they do that?
Arnold: No. There had been registration but the park will accommodate anyone who is interested in attending.
BWHL: Does the library often host authors at the Marysville Public Library? Is it popular?
Arnold: SCCLS often hosts authors and our staff works to offer these opportunities at many of our branch locations. Marysville Library has had some very popular author programs. It’s wonderful to see so many people who are eager to hear from and meet their favorite authors.
The Marysville City Park is located at 801 E. Huron Blvd.
