Iola Reads will celebrate Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” with a number of activities in the coming weeks.
The romantic “novel of manners” follows the relationship of Miss Elizabeth Bennett and the wealthy Fitzwilliam Darcy, along with a cast of memorable characters, in a story of love, class and first impressions.
Readers can pick up a free copy of the book at the Iola Public library, or at other spots around town — just look for the yellow tubs.
To celebrate Austen’s 250th birthday, which was Dec. 16, Iola Reads has planned a birthday party and Regency Rave at 7 p.m. March 7 at the John Silas Bass North Community Building, 505 N. Buckeye St.
Students from Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy will be on hand to teach attendees a few Regency-era dances, followed by a family-friendly dance party DJ’d by Joshua from Spare Time Sounds. Birthday cake, refreshments and prizes will be on tap as well.
Movie lovers will get to watch a film adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the library, with refreshments and prizes.
In addition to the library, yellow tubs can be found at Community National Bank, Iola Vision Source, the Senior Center, the City of Iola utilities office, the Townhouse, Wild Bloom, Iola Pharmacy, G&W Foods, Community Health Center of SEK, Bennett Laundry, and Allen Community College library.
Started in 2005, Iola Reads is a collaboration between Iola-USD 257, the library and the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, with additional residents serving on the committee.
Funding is provided by the Sleeper Family Trust.
For more information, visit iolapubliclibrary.org, or watch for fliers around town.
