Books Between Bites explores life of Col. Fabyan
The monthly noontime book program Books Between Bites welcomes Richard Munson, author of a book on local legend Colonel Fabyan, at noon Thursday, Nov. 19, at Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.
His book, "George Fabyan: The Tycoon Who Broke Ciphers, Ended Wars, Manipulated Sound, Built a Levitation Machine, and Organized the Modern Research Center," tells the story of Fabyan, the Fox Valley tycoon who sponsored and inspired a community of thinkers who advanced science in such diverse fields as acoustics, cryptography, genetics and physiology.
He changed how we wage wars and keep secrets, and how we transmit sound and design buildings - but the whimsical Fabyan also tried to construct a machine to defy gravity and spent millions trying to prove that Sir Francis Bacon wrote Shakespeare's plays.
Local residents know of the forest preserve and parkway named for Fabyan, but many may not be aware of the research and innovation that took place on the Fabyan estate, where the forest preserve now lies. This is the opportunity to learn more about this local history. At the program, Munson's book will be available for sale and signing.
Books Between Bites is from noon to 1 p.m. in the large Founders Room just inside the main entrance of the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Avenue. The public is invited to attend this free program and reservations are not required. 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, located just inside the library and adjacent to the meeting room. To pre-order for pickup, call Chapters at (630) 406-8005.
Roger Breisch of Batavia returns to the program Dec. 17. The series continues in 2016 with another book review by Barbara Kalina of Batavia Jan. 21. Mayor Jeff Schielke presents his 29th annual program Feb. 18. Sports fans will enjoy the return of ESPN's Lester Munson March 17. New to the program, on April 21, is Maureen Jakubowski of Batavia. The season concludes with the return of longtime presenter Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio May 19.
For more information about Books Between Bites, call Becky Hoag at (630) 482-9157. The program runs through May and a complete schedule can be found at booksbetweenbites.com. Printed season schedules are available at the Batavia Public Library.