Learn about the real-life Downton Abbey at Mentor Library

Sometimes the real world is even odder than the fiction it inspires.

Are you frothed for Downton Abbey's return Sunday night?

If you can't wait to see who Lady Mary picks—we're team Blake all the way; Lord Gillingham is duller than a scuffed wingtip—then you might be interested in hearing about the history that inspired Downton Abbey.

If so, come join our Book & Brush Club at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at our Main Branch. We'll be discussing Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by the Countess of Carnarvon.

The book tells the real story of Lady Almina, the fifth countess of Carnarvon and daughter of wealthy industrialist Alfred de Rothschild. Among her accomplishments, she turned Highclere Castle—the inspiration and setting for Downton Abbey—into a hospital during the Great War.

Sara Hume, an assistant professor and curator at Kent State University, will also be joining us on Jan. 28 to talk about the fashions of Downton Abbey.

And speaking of fashion, we're having costume contest! Don your finest Downton-influenced togs to the library on Jan. 28, and the best outfits will win prizes.

Want more? We'll also be screening the PBS documentary The Secrets of Highclere Castle starting at 5 p.m. in our new Village Room (which is in the basement of our Main Branch.)

Our Book & Brush Club offers lively discussion about historical art novels and nonfiction. If you love art, literature and where those two intersect, then you'd probably enjoy our book club. We meet the final Wednesday of the month, and it's open to everyone. If you want to join us, you can pick up a copy of Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey from our reference desk.

For more information contact Barb Hauer at 440.255.8811, ext. 210, or email Barbara.Hauer@MentorPL.org. Click to see the Book and Brush Club’s 2014-15 book list.