Batavia library seeks input for new how-to series

The Batavia Public Library has three well-established program series for adults and with the help of local library users, it hopes to establish a fourth.

The library is developing a "How-To Community" demonstration series. People are encouraged to visit www.bataviapubliclibrary.org and answer a couple of questions - what kind of things do they want to learn how to do and what talent or skill can they teach others.

According to Lee Blakley, Adult Services librarian and programmer, some of the most popular programs at the library have featured presenters demonstrating how to make or do something.

"Our program attendees love to learn. We also think that many of our library users have skills to share - from something simple like tying fashion scarves to more involved projects like fixing a lawnmower, painting a picture, or canning," explained Blakley.

People have started taking the survey. The library staff will compile the results and begin to plan programs based on the interests of the community, hopefully as early as this fall.

Other program series at the Batavia Public Library include the New Lyceum Lecture Series, which began in February 2008 and offers lectures on science, history, and current events; Sundays on Stage, a popular entertainment series offered since April 2012; and Books Between Bites, a noon-hour lunch/book review series that was established in Batavia by the late Lee C. Moorehead in 1987 and has been continued by the library in partnership with Betty Moorehead and Becky Hoag, his wife and daughter. Books Between Bites has been held at the library since the library building at 10 S. Batavia Ave. opened in 2002.