Did you know that December 16th of this year will mark Jane Austen’s 250th birthday? Join us this fall as we celebrate this well-loved author with many Jane Austen-themed activities and programs you can take part in at the Henrietta Hankin Library!
You can start on September 15th by picking up a Jane Austen Bingo card at the Henrietta Hankin reference desk or downloading it from the event page here. Once you get Bingo, return your card to the reference desk, and you will be entered into a drawing for a raffle prize. Winners will be drawn on December 22.
On Saturday, September 20th, from 1-4 pm, join us for a special waltz class that brings the elegance and charm of Jane Austen’s world to life. In partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studio, this event will introduce participants to the graceful steps of the waltz—an iconic dance featured in Austen’s beloved novels. No experience necessary, no partner required, and all ages are welcome. Come dance through history and celebrate the timeless legacy of Jane Austen!
Jane Austen fans will not want to miss a presentation on September 22nd by life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Paul Savidge. In “The Enduring Popularity of Jane Austen” Paul will discuss the rise of Austen both as a recognized key contributor to the novel form and as a worldwide cultural phenomenon inspiring legions of devoted admirers. Paul will be bringing a 1st edition copy of Pride and Prejudice.
On Tuesday, September 23rd, from 10:00-11:30 am, channel your inner Jane Austen in a hands-on workshop, “Quill and Ink Letter Writing,” celebrating the elegance of the Regency era. Learn the timeless art of letter writing with a traditional quill and ink. All materials provided—no experience necessary! This event is for adults aged 18 years and up. The following Tuesday, September 30th, from 1:00-2:30 pm, you are invited to join us to make a tussie-mussie! A tussie-mussie is a small flower arrangement that was popular in the Victorian and Regency eras. We will be using silk flowers and greens to create our very own bouquets. Silk flowers, floral wire, and ribbon will be provided, but registrants are asked if they can bring a pair of wire cutters.
On Wednesday, October 8th, step into the Regency era for a charming tea party inspired by the world of Jane Austen. Enjoy tea with light refreshments, period music, and spirited conversation. Feel free to dress in your finest Austen-inspired attire (optional) and test your knowledge with Jane Austen trivia and quotes. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen and all things witty and romantic. For adults aged 18 years and up.
On three evenings in November (the 4th, 11th, and 18th), the library will hold special screenings of Death Comes to Pemberley, a 3-episode star-studded adaptation of crime-writer P.D. James’ bestselling whodunit based on the style and characters of Jane Austen’s 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice. We will watch one episode each week, on our new big screen in our comfy chairs in Small Conference Room A.
Our string of events will wrap up on December 15th with a Holiday High Tea from 6:00-7:30 pm. The Bingo challenge will end on December 16th, and participants will have until December 21st to turn in their cards. Winners of the Bingo raffle will be drawn on December 22nd.
We hope you can join us in celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday! To register for any of the programs discussed above, please visit: https://bit.ly/3UWdleP. Henrietta Hankin Library supports PA Forward Civic and Social Literacy.
