Learn about ‘Manhunt,’ the search for Lincoln’s killer, at Batavia Books Between Bites
Batavia’s Books Between Bites is wrapping up its 36th season with two more programs.
On Thursday, April 10, Dan Hoefler, a retired history teacher and president of the Batavia Historical Society, will discuss the 2006 book “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer,” by attorney and Lincoln scholar James L. Swanson.
The murder of Abraham Lincoln 160 years ago set off the greatest manhunt in American history — the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. Based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln’s own blood relics, “Manhunt” is a fully documented, fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters. Note: this program has been moved up one week to the second Thursday of the month.
It will be noon to 1 p.m. in the large Founders Room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31). These programs are free and open to the community. Reservations are not required. Parking is available in the lot just south and adjacent to the library.
On Thursday, May 15, retired Batavia teachers Kathy Hubbard and Linda Sullivan will close out the season with a talk on the 2024 book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. He explores the progression of declining mental health in youth in the era of smartphones, big technology and exposure to social media. Haidt cites examples of how “play-based childhood” has been replaced by “phone-based childhood” and how four simple rules can assist in controlling the epidemic of mental illness and “restore a more human childhood.”
BATV records these programs and the videos are posted on YouTube. Now available is the March 20 program with Lester Munson on Keith O’Brien’s 2024 biography, “Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball.”
Bring your lunch to enjoy during the program and discussion. Lunch items, beverages and baked goods also may be purchased at Flyleaf Bakery Cafe, located just inside the library and next to the meeting room. To pre-order for pickup just before the program, call (331) 302-3480.
For more on Books Between Bites, visit booksbetweenbites.com. Printed season schedules also are available at Batavia Public Library.