By Al Benson
Batavia Public Library’s popular monthly noontime book-review program, Books Between Bites, announces its 34th season.
It will begin Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Library, 10 S. Batavia Avenue in Batavia, from noon to 1 p.m.
The public is invited.
Admission and parking are free. Programs are presented September through May, each on the third Thursday of the month. Reservations are not required.
After a nearly two-year pause due to COVID restrictions, the 2022-2023 season will open September 15, with Batavian Karl Bruhn sharing the “Story of Recent Major Renovations of the Old Post Office in Chicago.”
Bruhn, a volunteer at the Chicago Architecture Center for the past 12 years, always has been fascinated by local and regional history. His interest was sparked when renovations of the old Post Office in Chicago began.
He’ll share the history of the building motorists drive through on the Eisenhower Expressway.
According to Bruhn, renovations to the Chicago landmark were the most expensive ever done to a private building in the history of the United States.
The season will continue October 20 with author and retired science teacher Diane Lincoln discussing her book “Science Discovery Files: 10 Forgotten Stories of Incredible Scientists.”
Batavia’s mayor, Jeff Schielke, will make his 34th visit November 17 to share his latest literary discoveries that mention Batavia.
December 15, Batavian and author Roger Breisch discusses his latest book, “Humanity’s Journey Home: Surrendering to the Wholeness that is Gaia.”
The season will continue in the new year, January 19, 2023, when sports writer Lester Munson brings his thoughts on the sports books, “Glory Days: The Summer of 1984” and the “90 Days that Changed Sports and Culture Forever” by L. Jon Wertheim and “Rethinking Fandom” by Craig Calcaterra.
February 16, 2023 Batavian Barb McKittrick will share the fascinating story of trees as told in the book “The Overstory” by Richard Powers.
March 16, 2023 Batavian Teri Dykhuis, an environmental specialist at Batavia’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, will discuss “Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think Is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis” by Elin Kelsey.
April 20, 2023 Batavia journalist Sammi King will share her new book “Mom’s Time-Out,” which includes a collection of columns she’s written for the Beacon News and Daily Herald.
The season will conclude Thursday, May 18, when author Jay Payleitner shares his book, “Hooray for Grandparents.”
At each of the programs featuring authors, their books will be available for sale and signing.
The program is held in the large Founders Room on the main level of the Batavia Public Library. Parking is available in the lot just south and adjacent to the Library.
Books Between Bites was established in Batavia in 1987 by the late Lee C. and Betty Moorehead. The program has been continued by his daughter, Becky Hoag, in partnership and co-sponsorship with George H. Scheetz and Stacey Peterson of Batavia Public Library.
The series’ name was chosen more than 50 years ago when the Mooreheads started the program in Carbondale, Ill..
In the beginning, the idea was to bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy a book program. Books Between Bites went on to be established in Green Bay, Wis. and Madison, Wis., before the Mooreheads retired in Batavia and wanted to start the program.
Although fewer persons have lunch than previously, visitors are welcome to bring a lunch and eat while enjoying the programs and discussions.
Lunch items, beverages and baked goods can be purchased at Flyleaf Bakery Café, just inside the Library and adjacent to the meeting room.
To pre-order for pick-up just before the program, call 630-302-3480.
For more information, 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 will soon will be available at the Library.