From left, Jacob Ramirez, Debbie Ramirez, Josh Paulson and Eli Barila work on Lemony Snicket Mad-Libs on Thursday afternoon at the Lodi Public Library. (Whitney Ramirez/News-Sentinel)

Lodi Library's 'Unfortunate' evening actually fun for all

Young readers were invited to a special event at the Lodi Public Library on Thursday evening. The party included coloring activities, food and games, but all the merrymaking didn't stop people from calling the evening an "unfortunate" one.

In fact, the occasion was held to savor the last of the popular children's books by former "Snicket Villa" resident Lemony Snicket. (The author's alter ego is named Daniel Handler, who is from San Francisco.)

The first book in "A Series of Unfortunate Events" was published in 1999. In 2004, the first three books were adapted for a feature film. The 13th and final book is "The End" and came out on the 13th day of October.

The series follows the adventures of three orphans, Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire, who continually find themselves in troublesome circumstances. Most always, their trouble comes from the deeds of Count Olaf, who also happens to be their closest (though quite distant) living relative.

The library's event also featured a cardboard cutout of Count Olaf, which uttered phrases as people walked past.

Karen Jahnke-Barila, librarian's associate, said just one of the 10 copies of "The End" were available late Thursday, though many copies of previous books can be checked out freely. The books are recommended for readers in grades 4-7.

Sophie Connelly, right, grabs a crayon to finish up her drawing of Count Olaf with fellow Lemony Snicket fans Camille Ramirez, middle, and Dan Connelly, left, on Thursday afternoon. The Lodi Public Library hosted a celebration for the book series, Lemony Snicket, with different activities including a trivia game and crafts. (Whitney Ramirez/News-Sentinel)

Lauren Hilton checks for any final touches needed on her Count Olaf "wanted" poster during the Lemony Snicket celebration at the Lodi Public Library. (Whitney Ramirez/News-Sentinel)

First published: Friday, January 5, 2007