Books Between Bites to explore the 'American Canopy' Nov. 15
Batavia's monthly noontime book program, "Books Between Bites," continues on Thursday, Nov. 15, with Valerie Blaine of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County discussing "American Canopy: Trees, Forests, and the Making of a Nation" by Eric Rutkow.
In history class, you may have learned about the Founding Fathers, politics, famous battles, and social movements in the United States. But did you learn about the white pine, George Perkins Marsh, the American chestnut, or the great fire of Peshtigo? Author Eric Rutkow's captivating book reveals that "trees are perhaps the loudest silent figures in our country's history." With sweeping vision, as well as an eye for detail, Rutkow tells the remarkable story of trees, forests, and the making of a nation.
Blaine is a lifelong naturalist in the Prairie State. She grew up exploring nearby forest preserves in Northbrook, Illinois, where she developed a deep appreciation for all things green and wild and wonderful. Valerie holds a master's degree in forestry from the University of Illinois and a bachelor's degree in botany and French, also from the U of I. She is manager of environmental education for the Kane County Forest Preserve District.
The program is held from noon to 1 p.m. in the large Founders Room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. 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 (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.
Now in its 32nd year, the program season is September through May.
On Dec. 13, Batavia's Mayor Jeff Schielke, who was the very first speaker at the very first Books Between Bites in Batavia, makes his 32nd annual visit to the program. Well known and appreciated as Batavia's resident historian, the mayor has shared many programs about Batavia history and books and literature that have a connection to our city. This year he shares his additional discoveries about Batavia-related stories in literature in "Batavia Literary Footnotes." Note: This month's program will be on the second Thursday.
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 are available at Batavia Public Library.
More than 150 Books Between Bites presentations are available on DVD to view and check out at the Batavia Public Library. Simply search for "Books Between Bites" in the library catalog to find a list of all available titles.
BATV is now posting the programs on YouTube. The links are on the archived past season page, going back to May 2017.