Even if you are not a reader of Jane Austen’s novels, chances are you’ve encountered a movie, a television show, or a book that relies on themes or characters that she created more than 200 years ago. July 18, 1817 marked the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, and Pitkin County Library and Basalt Regional Library are dedicating the month of November to celebrate the writer and the enduring influence of her work.
Austen’s most famous novel, Pride & Prejudice was first published in 1813, and according to the Jane Austen Society of North America, it alone has thirteen film adaptations. The Pitkin County Library has all six of Austen’s novels in its collection in multiple formats, as well as modern adaptations ranging from Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding to Pride Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith. A search for “Jane Austen” in the Pitkin County Library catalog will bring up 471 available items.
Pitkin County Library and Basalt Regional Library are hosting a variety of free, AUSTEN-TATIOUS events for the public this month. A full list of events and Austen-related materials are available on the libraries’ websites: www.pitcolib.org and www.basaltlibrary.org.
AT PITKIN COUNTY LIBRARY
Saturday, November 11: Jane Austen Film Fest
Come and stay for the day or drop-in for a film or two.
9:30 am – Sense & Sensibility
Pizza Lunch Break
1:30 pm – Bride and Prejudice
3:45 pm – Austenland
Tuesday, November 14, 5:00 pm: “The Enduring Nature of Jane Austen’s Novels” featuring historian and writer Stephanie Barron.
Stephanie Barron (aka Francine Matthews), historian and author of the popular Jane Austen Mystery Series, will provide historical context for Austen's work and will help to answer the questions: "Why are we celebrating Jane Austen 200 years after her death? What is it about the themes of her novels that continue to inspire our affection and mimicry?” In her talk, Barron will also highlight Georgian Christmas traditions.
Saturday, November 18, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Austen Village Fair
Tea, scones, and finger sandwiches will be served as we immerse ourselves in everything Austen. Listen to Regency-era music while learning to play Whist, paint your own silhouette tote bag, and compete in an all-things-Austen trivia game!
AT BASALT REGIONAL LIBRARY
Tuesday, November 7, 5:00 – 7:00 pm: Knitting Lace with the Yarn Group
The Yarn Group will share some history of knitting in the early 1800’s and demonstrate lace knitting.
Monday, November 13, 5:00 – 7:00 pm: Austen Point of View: Book v. Screenplay
TACAW (The Art Campus at Willits) players reveal Austen from two points of view: novel v. screenplay. They will present scenes and compare and discuss with the audience
Monday, November 20, 2:00 – 3:00 pm: Storytime Tea
Join the Basalt Regional Library for delicious tea and cakes, stories, and a craft. This event is for children ages 3-9 and their caregivers. Register at the front desk beginning November 6.
Contact: Kathy Chandler - Librarian 0 970-429-1910