BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It's elementary, my dear Watson.
If you want to have a successful book sale and rare book auction, rely on perhaps the best-known detective ever.
It seems that Bethlehem Area Public Library has gotten a clue: On Sept. 28, it will hold An Evening with Sherlock: BAPL Rare Book Auction.
The fund-raising event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the library will hold a rare and vintage book sale in the Cohen Room at its main location, Main Library, 11 W. Church St., Bethlehem.
"A Conan Doyle autograph is extremely rare. We're thrilled to be auctioning off such a unique literary treasure."Library Executive Director Josh Berk
A release says "a variety of literary treasures" will be offered for sale, including first editions, antique poetry sets and "other beautiful antiquarian books."
There will be no charge for admission to the book sale.
Then at 5 p.m., there will be a ticketed performance of a one-man Sherlock Holmes show by actor Neill Hartley.
Hartley, a retired professor at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, had roles in the movie "The Sixth Sense," the PBS documentary "First Freedom" and in seasons two, three and four of the Netflix series "House of Cards."
He also was a QVC spokesman for two national companies and has appeared in regional and national commercials for Pennsylvania Lottery and more.
Tickets, at $20 each, are available at the library or on its website.
Autographed copy is 'crown jewel'
Following the performance, there will be a special auction of valuable rare books, with the event's "crown jewel" being an autographed copy of "The Stark Munro Letters" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Dolye also wrote novels and short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes.
Holmes has been featured in more than 25,000 stage adaptations, films, television productions and publications.
Guinness World Records lists him as the most portrayed human literary character in film and television history.
"A Conan Doyle autograph is extremely rare," Library Executive Director Josh Berk said. "We're thrilled to be auctioning off such a unique literary treasure."
Drinks and light refreshments will be included.
All proceeds will support the purchase of a new BAPL bookmobile, Berk said.
