Learn about 'Batavia's Revisionist History' at Books Between Bites
Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke will present "Batavia's Revisionist History: Stories From Our Past That History Now Proves Have Different Endings" at the next "Books Between Bites" on Thursday, Jan. 18. The popular monthly book series is held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.
He was the first speaker at the very first Books Between Bites in Batavia. The mayor will be making his 31st annual visit to the program. Well-known and appreciated as Batavia's resident historian, Mayor Schielke has shared many programs about Batavia history and books and literature that have a connection to the town. This year, he shares his discoveries about Batavia-related stories that didn't turn out as originally told.
The public is invited to attend these free programs, presented on the third Thursday of the month, September through May. Reservations are not required. The programs are held in the large Founders Room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library. Parking is available in the lot just south and adjacent to the library.
People 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, just inside the library and adjacent to the meeting room. To pre-order for pickup just before the program, call (630) 406-8005.
On Feb. 15, Batavia author Dan Van Haften shares his newest books, "The Ultimate Guide to the Gettysburg Address" and "The Ultimate Guide to the Declaration of Independence." The Gettysburg Address is generally recognized as one of the greatest speeches ever written. The persuasive force of the Declaration of Independence contributed to the survival of the United States. Authors Dan Van Haften and David Hirsch were the first to dig beneath the surface to reveal Thomas Jefferson's and Abraham Lincoln's use of the six elements of a proposition. The persuasive, logical method that Jefferson and Lincoln used is diagramed and explained. The books, aided by color, are understandable and a great read. They are a must for young and old students of history, language, and logic.
Lester Munson of ESPN returns March 15. He has selected two sports-related books this year by authors with whom he is acquainted. Great subjects just before spring arrives: talking golf and Arnold Palmer, and an in-depth look about the game of baseball. He will be discussing two sports-related books, "Arnie: The Life of Arnold Palmer" by Tom Callahan, and "Smart Baseball" by Keith Law. And, there will always be time for Q&A about favorite Chicago and sports topics.
Another program regular, Rick Kogan of WGN and the Chicago Tribune, returns April 19 discussing his friend and Chicago legend, the late Studs Terkel.
The season ends May 17 when Batavia Karl Bruhn tells the story of the Batavia/Chicago connection to a great (and nearly forgotten) architect: Solon Spencer Beman. He designed only one building here in Batavia, the United Methodist Church on Batavia Avenue. He also designed many larger and significant buildings (and cemetery markers) in Chicago, including Pullman Village. Beman also left a legacy of buildings in Evanston, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Boston, Grand Rapids, South Bend, and Milwaukee
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, 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 are now available at Batavia Public Library.