Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with Claire Evans as she explores Austen’s final work, its inspirations, and its journey from manuscript to PBS costume drama.
Commemorating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday on Dec. 16, 2025, join author, former UK resident, and Anglophile Claire Evans for a look at Austen’s final, unfinished manuscript and its path from family heirloom to a fully imagined costume drama, airing on American PBS. Learn about the real-life people and locations that informed Austen’s last work before her untimely death at age 41, as well as how the seeds of her ideas came to life on the small screen.
Claire Evans is a cultural consultant, writer, and lifelong Anglophile with deep ties to the UK—both personal and professional. A former foreign exchange student in London during law school, Claire later lived in Cambridgeshire after marrying her English husband. There, she worked with Citizens Advice Bureau in Cambridge and spent weekends exploring the UK from Cornwall to Scotland.
With a background in journalism, higher education, and international relocation, Claire spent several years helping individuals and families navigate cross-cultural transitions between the US and UK. Now based in the United States, she shares her expertise through engaging library programs that blend travel insight, cultural commentary, and firsthand experience. Whether you're planning a trip or just fascinated by British life, Claire brings humor, heart, and practical advice to every session.
Armchair Travels is generously funded with a gift from the Rutherford Family Trust. This program will not be recorded.
Continue the celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday with our Jane Austen Book Discussion of Persuasion on December 3rd at 7pm. Learn More.
From the south: Go north on Green Bay Road. Turn left on Wilmette Ave. Turn right on Park Ave. Library is located on the corner of Wilmette Ave. and Park Ave. Parking lot is on the north side of the building.
From the north: Go south on Green Bay Road. Turn right on Wilmette Ave. Turn right on Park Ave. Library is located on the corner of Wilmette Ave. and Park Ave. Parking lot is on the north side of the building.
From I-94 (Edens Expressway):from the South - exit at Lake Ave. East. Go east on Lake Ave. a little over 2 miles. Turn right on Park Ave. • from the North - exit at Rt. 41/Skokie Blvd. Turn left (east) on Lake Ave. Go east on Lake Ave. a little over 2 miles. Turn right on Park Ave.
Mass transit options include CTA, Metra, and Pace.
