Frequently Asked Questions
Meet Eric Carle event Saturday, July 26, 2008

Why only 500 tickets?
In an effort to balance the extraordinary popularity of Eric Carle with visitor expectations while honoring the number of books Eric can be expected to sign, we have had to limit the number of entrants to the event to 500. In addition to greeting his many fans, by the end of the event, Eric will have signed almost 1500 books!

Why can’t I reserve tickets in advance?
It has been our experience that advanced reservations, especially when no payment is due, typically results in a number of “no shows.” Allocating tickets to the first 500 visitors seemed the most direct and efficient way to maximize participation.

I’m a Member. Do I have a priority spot in the line?
Only Museum Members will be allowed entrance to the Museum and a place in line beginning at 9:00 am. Placement in line will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. All others will be asked to queue up outside the Museum and await a 10:00 entry. Any Member arriving after 9:45 am will be asked to join the non-member line with no priority with regard to place in line. Memberships must be purchased no later than 3:30 pm on Friday, July 25th to gain entry at 9:00 am for this event.

Why book plates?
In an effort to make the day special for all those who attend the Museum’s 2008 “Meet Eric Carle”, especially those who arrive too late to receive a ticket, the Museum has asked Eric to autograph specially designed book plates. These will be given to anyone who purchases an Eric Carle hardcover book on the day of the signing and to visitors who would like to purchase additional hardcover copies above the 2 books purchased for Eric to sign directly (while supplies last). Due to limited quantity and expected demand for bookplates, bookplates will be distributed only after all event tickets have been handed out.

What’s a book plate? What’s the value of a bookplate?
A bookplate is an adhesive label which can be affixed to the front endpapers of a book. The bookplates issued the day of the signing will have been individually signed by Eric Carle. Since there will be a limited number of bookplates issued, they will increase the value of the book over one without a bookplate.

Why no personalization?
In an effort to have Eric sign the maximum number of books, we have requested a “no personalization policy” the day of the signing. While not a hard and fast rule, in general a book that has no personalization (flat signed) is seen as being worth more than one that is personalized. (Source: http://www.bookthink.com/0002/02sign2.htm)

Why no flash pictures?
In an effort to make the day as pleasant as possible for Eric Carle and those who assist him, we ask that you refrain from using a flash, which can be hard on the eyes and sometimes distracting. This year’s event will be in the Museum Café, where there is lots of beautiful natural light!

We encourage you to take lots of flash-free pictures and add them to our Flickr group, http://www.flickr.com/groups/ericcarlemuseum/.

Why only books, and not posters, clothing, postcards?
While book signings provide an opportunity to meet the people who make the books, they are also an industry method for selling books. Please feel free to bring a book from home (1 per person with a ticket) for Eric to sign, or purchase books in advance* or on the day of in our Museum shop.

* Books from the Museum Shop may be purchased the week in advance (7/19-7/25), but a receipt must be presented for the signing.

Will there be refreshments available?
Our Café will offer a cash-only, light service of coffee, juices and limited snacks. Food and drink will only be allowed in the designated area.

We expect to be able to open the Café space as soon as the event has concluded. We encourage you to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on our beautiful grounds or to visit some of the wonderful eating establishments we are fortunate to have as neighbors in the surrounding area.

At The Museum
Meet Eric Carle
July 26, 2008
Free with Museum Admission
A limit of 500 tickets distributed the day of the event. No tickets are available in advance.

Museum Members may enter from 9:00 – 9:45 am. General Public and Museum Members arriving after 9:45am will be allowed entry at 10:00 am on a space available basis.

Due to limited quantity and expected demand for bookplates, bookplates will be distributed only after all event tickets have been handed out. Receive a specially-designed Eric Carle bookplate with each EC hardcover book purchased in the Museum Shop on the day of the event only (while supplies last).

Signing guidelines:
Limit 1 book from home and 2 books from the Museum Shop* per ticketholder
No personalization
Eric will be signing books only
No flash photography allowed

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to seeing you at The Carle! CLICK HERE to view our FAQ’s about the Meet Eric Carle event.

Get in early! Become a Member and enter at 9:00 am! Click here for more information. Memberships must be purchased no later than 3:30 pm on Friday, July 25th to gain entry at 9:00 am for this event.

* Books from the Museum Shop may be purchased the week in advance (7/19-7/25), but a receipt must be presented for the signing.