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But Marguerite deAngeli was not your typical celebrity, which is why she will be celebrated Friday, on what would have been her 119th birthday, at the Lapeer library named in her honor.

Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m., and all are encouraged to attend to honor this much-loved local icon.

"She's in the hearts of Lapeer residents who are proud of her legacy," said Kate Pohjola, library director.

Born in Lapeer on March 14, 1889 in a home that still stands on the southwest corner of Oregon Road and M-24, deAngeli became a well known and award winning author and illustrator of children's literature.

She accepted the Newbery Medal in 1950 for The Door in the Wall and was one of the first inductees into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.

"I like to know that women have made a difference," said Donna Woodward, president of The Friends of the deAngeli Library, the organization that is sponsoring the birthday celebration.

When asked what she enjoys most about participating in the continuation of deAngeli's legacy, Woodward added, "It is important to know that creativity can have an impact over the years and that putting your personal talents to use can bring happiness to others."

Several archival items will be available for viewing at the party including book collections, illustrations and the recently acquired Hedwig Dolls which were created in the likeness of characters from deAngeli's books.

For more information on this event, call the Marguerite deAngeli Library at (810) 664-6971.