In a celebration of timeless literature, the Mission Viejo Library is transporting visitors into the enchanting world of Jane Austen during this holiday season.
In a series of five events, guests will learn from different Mission Viejo librarians about the vast world of Austen, an English novelist known for her works like “Pride and Prejudice,” “Emma” and “Sense and Sensibility.”
From engaging discussions on Austen’s influence to elegant period-inspired activities, the library’s events allow Austen fans and newcomers alike to experience a true taste of the Regency era. And they will all culminate in a holiday ball.
On Sunday, Nov. 12, guests learned how to make their own Regency-style ball gowns. Library specialist Raven Loc taught guests how to make gowns without investing a lot of money or needing sewing skills to create accurate historical costumes.
“Austen’s work has remained popular for 200 years and is the precursor to so much contemporary literature and romance,” said Genesis Hansen, the director of Library and Cultural Services at the Mission Viejo Library. “Her social commentary, use of irony, sharp wit and swoony romances still hold a lot of appeal for modern audiences.”
The next events are:
• An Austen-themed trivia night where fans can put their knowledge to the test. The event will be held at the Friends Storytime Room at the library on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
• An interactive storytime to introduce young children to the works of Austen. The event, for ages 3 and up, will be held in the Friends Storytime Room on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.
• A “Pride and Penmanship, or Pens and Sensibility” event highlighting “the lost art of letter writing.” Hansen notes letters are prominent in several Austen works, and her surviving letters provide much of the biographical information known about her. The event is “not a calligraphy class, it is, rather, an…
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