Batavia library launches new season of 'Books Between Bites'
Batavia Public Library's popular monthly noontime book program, "Books Between Bites," announces its 28th season, to begin Sept. 18.
The series is held at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., from noon to 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend these free programs presented September through May on the third Thursday of the month.
The 2014-2015 season opens Thursday with author Diane Mayer Christiansen, who cowrote "Jackie's Journal" with her son, Jackie. He describes himself as "just a regular 12-year-old kid." He likes to fish, play chess, swim, and collect Hot Wheels cars. But his struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder often alienates him from his peers.
Follow one boy's journey with ASD through his mother's never-ending mission to help others understand what this difference looks like on a daily basis. It's the good, the bad, and the ugly - the things that the rest of the world typically doesn't understand. Mostly, it's a celebration of who we are.
Diane Mayer Christiansen's other works include "Snub Club," "Secrets of Woodcrest: Escape from Levitius," and "Switcher." More information about Christiansen and Jackie can be found at the website www.jackiejournal.com.
The rest of the season finds the return of program favorites and new authors and presenters. It includes Batavia's Mayor Jeff Schielke discussing the history found in a collection of Batavia High School yearbooks on Oct. 16; a program on the Chicago World's Fair of 1933 by Rick Rann on Nov. 20; and the return of author-poet Janice N. Harrington Dec. 18.
In 2015 the season continues Jan. 15 with Batavia Judge Steven Sullivan discussing "The Bully Pulpit" by Doris Kearns Goodwin; Naturalist Valerie Blaine on Feb. 19 discussing the book "A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction" by Joel Greenberg; sports commentator Lester Munson returning on March 19 to discuss two books, "Michael Jordan: The Life" by Roland Lazenby, and "Geronimo" by college football coach Mike Leach; Rick Kogan of the "Chicago Tribune" and WGN radio is welcomed back on April 16 when he talks about notable Chicagoan literary figures Nelson Algren and David Mamet; and the season ends May 21 with author and former Batavian Philip Burnham discussing his new book "Song of Dewey Beard: Last Survivor of the Little Bighorn."
The program is held in the large community room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library. Reservations are not required. Parking is available in the lot just south and adjacent to the library.
Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and eat as they enjoy the program and discussion. Lunch items, beverages and baked goods can be purchased at Chapters Coffee House & Café, inside the library and adjacent to the meeting room. To pre-order for pickup just before the program, call (630) 406-8005.
Books Between Bites was established in Batavia in 1987 by the late Lee C. Moorehead. The program has been continued by Moorehead's wife, Betty, and his daughter, Becky Hoag, in partnership and cosponsorship with George H. Scheetz and Stacey Peterson of Batavia Public Library.
For more information about Books Between Bites, call Becky Hoag at (630) 482-9157. The complete schedule and description of each program can be found on the website booksbetweenbites.com. Printed season schedules will soon be available at the Batavia Public Library.