By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight libraries have brought a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth to a close, with two events marking the final weeks of the programme.
The first took place at Lord Louis’ Library, on Sunday, November 23, when the Hampshire Regency Dancers led a demonstration and workshop celebrating traditional dances of the period.
The Winchester-based group, which specialises in preserving Regency-era dance, guided visitors through several routines, including Mr Beveridge’s Maggot and The Duke of Kent. Around 30 people took part, many of them new to Regency dance, with the session drawing laughter and enthusiastic participation.
The celebrations concluded at Ryde Library with a Regency-themed afternoon tea. Guests heard a talk entitled ‘Jane Austen at Christmas’, from Helen Howe, of the Hampshire branch of the Jane Austen Society, exploring festive customs and games from the period.
Visitors were also able to sample traditional refreshments, such as rout cakes, spiced biscuits, and pound cake, while library staff organised a Jane Austen quiz and bingo.
Louise Emery, development librarian, said it had been encouraging to see strong interest throughout the anniversary year. She thanked the Friends of the Library groups, at Lord Louis and Ryde, whose fund-raising and volunteering helped make the events possible.
Further details about library services, and upcoming activities are available via iw.observer/iw-libraries, and new users can register for a library card through iw.observer/library-card.
