Batavia mayor returns to Books Between Bites Dec. 13
Batavia's monthly noontime book program, "Books Between Bites," continues on Thursday, Dec. 13, with Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke.
He 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.
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.
For more information about Books Between Bites, call Becky Hoag at (630) 482-9157.
On Jan. 17, Jonathan Eig will talk about his book, "Ali: A Life." He was the wittiest, the prettiest, the strongest, the bravest, and, of course, the greatest (as he told us himself). But until now, Muhammad Ali has never been the subject of a complete, unauthorized biography. Jonathan Eig, hailed by Ken Burns as one of America's master storytellers, had unique access to Ali's inner circle, conducted more than 500 interviews, and uncovered thousands of pages of previously unreleased FBI and Justice Department files. Collectively, they tell Ali's story like never before. The book will be available for sale and signing.
On Feb. 21, Jennifer Putzier will speak on the featured book "The Madness of Mary Lincoln" by Jason Emerson. In 2005, Jason Emerson discovered 20 never-before-published letters by Mary Todd Lincoln, many of which she wrote here in Batavia. These letters shed new light on Mrs. Lincoln, granting a fuller look at her life beyond the "Insane" verdict and presenting her time in Batavia in a more balanced way. Putzier has been the director of the Batavia Depot Museum since 2017 and is a regular contributor to the Kane County History column in the Kane County Connects.
On March 21, Lester Munson, nationally known commentator, ESPN senior writer and legal analyst and frequent guest on "Chicago Tonight," returns for his annual visit to the program. He will discuss two sports-related books. "Unbeaten" tells the story of Rocky Marciano, the only undefeated heavyweight boxing champion in history. "Astroball" is an account of the Houston Astros' march to the World Series championship in 2017, one of the greatest turnarounds in the history of sports. And, there will always be time for Q&A about favorite Chicago and sports topics.
On April 18, Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune and WGN radio returns to continue his discussion of Chicago legends. This year we asked him to tell us more about his father, newspaperman and author, Herman Kogan. Rick suggested he include in the discussion his father's idol, Ben Hecht. Herman Kogan wrote many books dealing with the history of Chicago and was an editor at the Chicago Daily News and the Chicago Sun Times. His career also include work in radio at WFMT, and in television at WFLD-TV. Hecht was an American screenwriter, director, producer, playwright, journalist, and novelist. He was a war correspondent in World War I for the Chicago Daily News, co-author of the play "The Front Page," and his screenplays included Alfred Hitchcock's "Spellbound" (1945) and "Notorious" (1946).
On May 16, Dan Hoefler will talk about the book "D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II" by Stephen E. Ambrose. In this definitive history of World War II's most pivotal battle, distinguished historian Ambrose draws on more than 1,400 interviews with American, British, Canadian, French, and German veterans to reveal how the original plans for the invasion had to be abandoned, and how enlisted men and junior officers acted on their own initiative. Hoefler - who has served on the Batavia City Council, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Batavia Historical Society board - is a retired Oswego High School history and government teacher.
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.