Program to discuss book about passenger pigeons

Batavia's popular monthly noontime book program "Books Between Bites" welcomes Valerie Blaine to the program at noon Thursday, Feb. 19, at Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave.

She will discuss Joel Greenberg's book "A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction." The book tells the story of the passenger pigeon and the "perfect storm" of its destruction. With an eye to the future, he urges the reader to consider the lessons that can be learned from the disappearance of this iconic American species.

Blaine, nature programs manager at the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, will address the question: How can a species that numbered in the billions plummet to zero in less than 100 years?

The program is held from noon to 1 p.m. in the large Founders Room just inside the main entrance. 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 just before the program, call Chapters at (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, 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 library.