‘Pride and Petticoats’: Jane Austen takes center stage in Mission Viejo
Jennifer Kim, left, and Raven Loc, Library Specialists at the Mission Viejo Library, lead a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball in December that will be the culmination of several Jane Austen events at the library, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
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.
Mission Viejo Library Specialist Raven Loc hosts a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create period-accurate gowns for a Jane Austen-themed Holiday Ball at the library in December, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Raven Loc, right, and Jennifer Kim, Library Specialists at the Mission Viejo Library, lead a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball in December that will be the culmination of several Jane Austen events at the library, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Mission Viejo Library Specialist Raven Loc hosts a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create period-accurate gowns for a Jane Austen-themed Holiday Ball at the library in December, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Jennifer Kim, left, and Raven Loc, Library Specialists at the Mission Viejo Library, lead a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball in December that will be the culmination of several Jane Austen events at the library, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Jennifer Kim, left, and Raven Loc, Library Specialists at the Mission Viejo Library, lead a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball in December that will be the culmination of several Jane Austen events at the library, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Jennifer Kim, left, and Raven Loc, Library Specialists at the Mission Viejo Library, lead a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball in December that will be the culmination of several Jane Austen events at the library, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Mission Viejo Library Specialist Raven Loc hosts a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create period-accurate gowns for a Jane Austen-themed Holiday Ball at the library in December, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Raven Loc, left, and Jennifer Kim, Library Specialists at the Mission Viejo Library, lead a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball in December that will be the culmination of several Jane Austen events at the library, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Bonni Brown of Mission Viejo and her daughter Malia Brown, 11, take notes as they listen to a presentation about how to create accurate “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball that will take place at the library in December, during a “Get the Austen Look” event in the Friends Storytime Room at the library on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Mission Viejo Library Specialist Raven Loc hosts a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create period-accurate gowns for a Jane Austen-themed Holiday Ball at the library in December, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
Raven Loc, right, and Jennifer Kim, Library Specialists at the Mission Viejo Library, lead a “Get the Austen Look” event, teaching guests how to create “Regency era” gowns and costumes for a Jane Austen-themed ball in December that will be the culmination of several Jane Austen events at the library, in the Friends Storytime Room on Sunday, November 12, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
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 opportunity to get into the habit of writing real letters like they did in 1813,” according to the library. It will be held on Friday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Friends Storytime Room.
These events culminate in the “Jane Austen Holiday Ball” on Friday, Dec. 15 — Austen’s birthday. Attendees will dance in their self-made gowns, enjoy refreshments and create crafts, just as if they were in an Austen novel themselves.
People do not need to know the stories to attend, said Hansen, but familiarity with the novels can only enhance the experience.
The Jane Austen programs were developed by librarian Grace Sheehy who was influenced by similar balls that she attended in Pasadena and Riverside.
Sheehy wanted to capitalize on the increasing popularity of “Regency romance,” a subgenre that highlights early 1800s British life, made popular by shows like “Bridgerton” on Netflix.
For those who can’t attend these events, Hansen said the library plans to continue to provide similar programming in the future.
Some events require advance registration, but all are free and open to the public. More information can be found on the city’s website at cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/library/jane-austenprograms.
