Library news and events

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald is the selection for One Book, One Batavia 2020. This feel-good book is filled with quirky, lovable characters living in a small town and is a heartwarming reminder of why we are book lovers.

One Book, One Batavia is an annual community-wide reading program presented by the Batavia Public Library in cooperation with Batavia High School and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Batavia Public Library. One Book, One Batavia 2020

About the book

A visitor from Sweden arrives in small-town Iowa only to discover her pen pal has died. So, she does what anyone would do…she opens a tiny bookstore in the heart of town. Filled with quirky characters and charm, this story explores the power of books, our ability to reinvent ourselves, and the power of one person to change others’ lives for the better. About the author

Katarina Bivald says she grew up in a bookstore—she worked part-time in an independent bookstore for 10 years, beginning at age 15. Inspired by the realization that the

customers were every bit as memorable as the books, she

began writing her debut novel, The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend, while working at the book shop. Bivald was born in Sweden in 1983 and currently lives near Stockholm. Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins, her second American release, was released in January 2020. One Book, One Batavia feature programs Registration is required for the One Book, One Batavia program; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200, or register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. The Life-Changing Magic of Tracking Your Reading Thurs., Mar. 19, 7–8:30pm

Can’t remember the title of that great book you read last year, the blue book about the dog? Is your to-beread list on tiny scraps of paper in three different places? Spark joy when three of our Adult Services librarians share the benefits of keeping track of your reading and cover various methods of recording all the books you read or want to read. You’ll become a happier, more organized reader!

The Library will be closed: Sunday, April 12, Easter

Library Hours

Monday–Thursday 9am–9pm Friday and Saturday 9am–5pm Sunday 12–5pm (Sept.–May) Sunday 1–4pm (June–Aug.)

18 Telephone

630-879-1393 Fax: 630-879-9118 TTY: 630-879-8335 Home Delivery:

630-879-1393, ext. 290

Library Director

George H. Scheetz Library Trustees Jo Ann Smith, President Katherine A. Garrett, Vice President Daniel R. Russo, Secretary Jennifer M. Culotta, Treasurer Elizabeth P. Larson Michael E. MacKenzie Diane L. Blodgett

Batavia counts

The 2020 Census is closer than you think! I am proud to report that Batavia Public Library is a founding partner (with the City of Batavia) of Batavia Counts, the Complete Count Committee for the Batavia area.

The Library—and all the Batavia Counts partners— want you to know that it is essential that everyone is counted. Why? Responses to census questions provide a snapshot of the nation. Census results affect your voice in government, how much funding your community receives, and how your community plans for the future.

Everyone counts. The census counts every person living in the United States once, only once, and in the right place.

It’s about $675 billion. The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities is based on census data.That money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other vital programs—including libraries.

It’s in the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. (The first census was in 1790.) It’s about fair representation. Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House

of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.

It’s about redistricting. After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the congressional and state legislative districts in their states to account for population shifts.

Taking part is your civic duty. Completing the census is mandatory. It’s a way to participate in our democracy and say, “I count!—Batavia counts!” Census data are used all around you. Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving legislation, quality-of-life, and consumer advocacy. Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores—all of which create jobs. Local governments use the census for public safety and emergency preparedness. Real estate developers use the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods.

Your privacy is protected. It’s against the law for the U.S. Census Bureau to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household. By law, your responses cannot be used against you and can only be used to produce statistics. 2020 will be easier than ever. In 2020, you will be able to respond to the census online. You can help ensure that everyone in Batavia gets counted.

George H. Scheetz, Director

Bookface Contest Mar. 1–31

Send in photos that blend your face or body with the image on a book cover for a chance to win prizes. You can vote for your favorite in the Library or on the Library’s One Book, One Batavia page. Visit bataviapubliclibrary.org for details.

19 Month-long One Book, One Batavia events Mar. 1–31 • Create your own reading poster with our photo booths and see the posters of other Batavia readers. • SARA, our Super Awesome Readers’ Advisors, can be found on social media in March. In Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend, Swedish visitor Sara thinks there is a book to solve every problem, and our Super Awesome Readers’ Advisors agree. Feeling the winter blues? Dear SARA will suggest books to warm you up. Need a laugh? Dear SARA can suggest titles that will have you rolling on the floor. • Watch for our displays of quirky reads we’re recommending on a variety of topics. Patrons will have the opportunity to share their own suggestions.

Registration Information: Stop by or call the Youth Services Desk at 630-879-1393 ext. 500 to register and for more information. Priority is given to Batavia Public Library cardholders for all programs requiring registration. Unless otherwise noted registration for March programs begins March 1, registration for April programs begins April 1. Spring storytime registration begins March 23. Patrons of all abilities are welcome at our programs. Please contact the Library regarding accommodations. Advance registration is required for programs designated Programs and activities for youth

Spring Storytimes & Activities Baby Play & Learn Fri., Mar. 6, 10am Tues., Mar. 24, 10am Babies through 23 months Join us for a drop-in playtime for babies ages 23 months and younger. Meet other caregivers, enjoy playtime with your baby, and see examples of early literacy activities. Please make alternate care arrangements for older siblings. No registration necessary; however, space is limited. Saturday Storytime Sat., Mar. 7, 10:30am Sat., Apr. 4, 10:30am Ages 3–6 Sing, dance, rhyme, and listen to stories during this special Saturday storytime edition. Discover a new theme each month. Quiet Play Sunday Sun., Mar. 15, 1–3pm Ages 2–5 with a caregiver We will have quiet, calming activities available for children ages 2 -5 and their caregivers. Our program room will be equipped with soft lighting and music while children play with kinetic sand, investigate our sensory bins, or try some yoga poses. No registration required. Count Me In Fri., Mar. 20, 1pm Ages 3–6 Join us for counting stories, activities and fun, including a counting snack! Activities inspired by the 2020 Census. Children attending will receive a Census coloring book. Stories in Motion Sat., Mar. 28, 11am Sat., Apr. 25, 11am Ages 3–6 Books are great to listen to, but they come alive when we add movement to them! In this drop-in storytime, we’ll act out stories, learn fun stretches, and practice lively movement rhymes and songs. Each class will explore a new theme while allowing our imaginations to soar. No registration required. Toddler Time Mon., Apr. 6–27, 10:30am Tues., Apr. 7–28, 10:30am Ages 2–3 with a caregiver Enjoy stories, rhymes, and more. Classes last approximately 25 minutes.

Pajama Storytime is April 20.

Baby Storytime–Pre-Walkers Tues., Apr. 7–28, 9:30am Infants with a caregiver Infants who are not yet walking will enjoy this interactive program including songs, nursery rhymes, lap games, and book sharing. Due to the interactive nature of this program, please make alternate care arrangements for older siblings. ABC Storytime Wed., Apr. 8–29, 10am Wed., Apr. 8–29, 1pm Thurs., Apr. 9–30, 10am Ages 3–6 Activities, Books, and Craft program for children 3 years old through Kindergarten without a caregiver. Baby & Tot Storytime Fri., Apr. 10–May 1, 10am Babies and tots through 35 months with a caregiver Drop in for songs, rhymes, and stories. Please make alternate care arrangements for older siblings. Show your Batavia Public Library card at the Youth Services Desk to receive your entry ticket. Entry tickets will be handed out beginning 20 minutes before the program until gone. No registration required. A Batavia Public Library card is required.

Baby Storytime—Walkers Fri., Apr. 10–May 1, 11am Infants with a caregiver Infants through 23 months who are already walking and a caregiver will enjoy this interactive program which includes songs, nursery rhymes, fingerplays, games, and book sharing. Due to the interactive nature of this program, please make alternate care arrangements for older siblings. Preschool Drop-In Storytime Fri., Apr. 10–May 1, 1pm Ages 3–6 Children are invited, younger siblings welcome. An adult must accompany children under the age of 4 years. Pajama Storytime Mon., Apr. 20, 7pm Families Wear your pajamas and bring a stuffed animal and join us for stories, songs, and a snack. Families with children through age 7 are welcome.

For Students Minecrafternoon Thurs., Mar. 5, 4pm Thurs., Apr. 2, 4pm Thurs., May 7, 4pm Ages 6–14 Whether you enjoy creative or survival mode, you will love playing with your friends on the Library’s Minecraft server. Build worlds, destroy zombies, and have fun at

DIG DEEPER

2020 Summer Reading Club Great events, activities, and reading to come! Read, Investigate, Discover

Minecrafternoon. No registration required. Entry tickets will be handed out 15 minutes before the program until gone. Space is limited. STEAM Lab Sun., Mar. 8, 1–3pm Mon., Mar. 16, 4–6pm Tues., Mar. 24, 5–7pm Toys Sun., Apr. 5, 1–3pm Wed., Apr. 15, 4–6pm Thurs., Apr. 23, 5–7pm Animals Grades K–5 Challenge your mind as you create, discover, investigate, and explore at a variety of STEAM stations. Dropin activities are intended for children in grades K–5. Book Gems Tues., Mar. 10, 6:30pm Lulu’s Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst Tues., Apr. 14, 6:30pm Green Queen by M. Peschke Grades 2–3 Registration begins four weeks before discussion. Reserve a copy of the book when you register. Middle School Mystery Night Fri., Mar. 13, 6:30–9pm Grades 6–8 Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in the Library after it closes? Find out at this after-hours program where you will become your favorite literary character like Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, or Percy Jackson to solve this life-size Clue murder mystery. Pizza will be Explore programming with the Ozobots robots at the Homeschool Hangout, March 19

provided. Registration begins Mar. 1. Space is limited. A signed parental form and $3 per participant are due at registration. Homeschool Hangout Thurs., Mar. 19, 1pm—Ozobots Thurs., Apr. 23, 1pm—VR helmet Families with children in grades K–8 Connect with other local homeschool families while enjoying a snack and exploring some of the Library’s resources or relaxing with the Library’s board games. No registration required. Explore & More Thurs., Mar. 19, 6:30pm Happy Spring! Tues., Apr. 21, 4:30pm Celebrate Earth Day Grades 2–4 Using books, games, and activities, we will explore a different subject each month. In March we will celebrate the spring equinox. In April we will explore the history of Earth Day and celebrate its 50th anniversary. Chat & Chew Mon., Mar. 23, 6:30pm Mon., Apr. 13, 5:30–7pm Grades 6–8 Put your directorial skills to the test and help the Library create and film a video to promote Summer Reading Club 2020. In March we will work on creating a plan for the video and in April we will film the video.

Youth Programs are continued on page 24

kaneneighbors.com 21 Student volunteers needed

The Youth Services department is looking for volunteers to help during the summer, June 1 through Aug. 3. Batavia students who are entering grades 6–9 are invited to apply.

Junior volunteers may choose from three different opportunities and may choose to participate in one, two, or all three of the options. • Weekly volunteers are scheduled for one hour per week from June 1 to August 3. They may be asked to straighten shelves, make copies, and prepare craft projects or other projects. • Book Buddy volunteers will help beginning readers practice their reading skills. Book Buddy times and dates will vary during the summer. • Special Event volunteers will be called as needed to help at special programs and for special projects. Students interested in volunteering should pick up an application at the Youth Services Desk or print a copy from the Library’s website. Application deadline is May 15. Scheduling will be based on the date the application is returned to the Youth Services department. 21

Registration Information: Registration is required for some programs; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200, or register online at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Advance registration is required for programs designated Programs for adults and teens Feature Programs

New Lyceum Lecture Series The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2019-20 Season Sponsor

100 Years of Women’s Suffrage: Illinois and Women’s Suffrage, the 19th Amendment, and the League of Women Voters Mon., Mar. 16, 7pm For more than 150 years, the concern for women’s suffrage and continued voting rights has been of critical importance. Llona and Lynn Steele, of the League of Women Voters, will review major advocates for women’s rights, the campaign for and the ratification of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26, 1920, and the formation of the League of Women Voters in Chicago on Feb. 14, 1920. Learn about Illinois’s important contributions to these efforts. Tournament of Books If you’re a fan of new fiction, take part in the Library’s fifth annual Tournament of Books! Sixteen of 2019’s best fiction books—chosen by Batavia readers and Library staff—will contend for Batavia’s fiction book of the year in playoff-style brackets between March 9 and April 1. Vote online on the Library’s Facebook page or in person at the Library. Pick up an annotated list of the Sweet Sixteen titles and a tournament bracket at the Reference Desk or on our website today.

2020 Census 1-2-3 Mon., Mar. 23, 7pm Caryl Reily, senior partnership specialist with the U.S. Census, will discuss what the Census is all about and walk us through the census process. Questions & Ancestors Genealogy Series Emigration & Immigration: The Story of Your Immigrant Ancestors Tues., Mar. 24, 7pm Why did your ancestors leave for America? What was the voyage like? Genealogist Jacquie Schattner will share insights and guide you through the process of researching—whether it’s emigration records from the country of origin or immigration documents here in the United States. Learn the interesting details of your ancestors’ journey to their new life here. Join the Batavia and St. Charles Public Libraries for this special genealogy program. When Was It Taken? Tues., Apr. 28, 7pm Old family photos are often a puzzle, but fashion trends, hairstyles, and photographic methods provide clues to your family story. In a slideshow of photographs from the 1870s to the 1920s, local historian Julia Johnas illustrates clues that may be in your family photos. Do you have a puzzling photo? Bring it to share.

Finding the Novel Inside You Tues., Mar. 31, 7pm We all have a novel inside of us—it’s that story burning to be told. William Hazelgrove tells the secrets and the method to get started and

22 keep at it through the first draft and subsequent revisions. He also covers the “ins-and-outs” of getting published, sharing stories of paperback auctions, movie options, and his first big contract. Utility Bill Clinic Tues., Apr. 7, 5–7 pm Bring your utility bills for a free one-on-one consultation with a representative from Citizens Utility Board. CUB staff will help you cancel overpriced plans, sign up for energy-saving programs, and file complaints if needed. Consumers

are strongly encouraged to bring a copy of their bills: electric, gas, home phone, cell phone, cable, and/ or internet. Create Your Own Wooden Sign Wed., Apr. 15, 7pm Create your own artistic, personalized sign with a Water Street Studio artist.

Sundays on Stage The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2020 Season Sponsor Susan B. Anthony, You Can’t Vote! Sun., Mar. 29, 2pm More than anything else in the world, Susan B. Anthony wanted to vote— but the law said she couldn’t. Lynn Rymarz portrays Susan B. Anthony and tells of her lifelong fight for equality for women—and how her determination helped change history.

The Three Crooners Sun., Apr. 26, 2pm Experience the songs, the comedy, and the memories of three of America’s most popular singers: Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin, all portrayed by master impressionist Dave Ehlert.

Teen Programs Advance registration is required for programs designated Monthly Programs Book Discussion Tues., Mar. 10, 7:30pm Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami Lonely, insecure Tsukuru Tazaki meets a woman who prompts him to find out why his closest friends in high school all rejected him many years ago, his quest taking him from Japan to Finland. Tues., Apr. 14, 7:30 pm Run by Ann Patchett When a stranger risks her life to save someone, two families become connected. A bittersweet story about family love, adoption, and all the different ways people run. May book selection: Inheritance by Dani Shapiro Teen Résumé Writing Fri., Mar. 6, 3:45–4:45pm Need a résumé? We can help you craft one. Teen Job & Volunteering Fair Sat., Mar. 7, 2–4pm Teens are invited to learn more about volunteer and paid employment opportunities for the summer and beyond in Batavia, Geneva, North Aurora, and St. Charles. Free ACT Practice Test Sun. Mar. 8, 12:30–4:30pm Take a free practice test courtesy of Princeton Review. For the test, bring water, #2 pencils, and an energy snack, as well as an approved calculator. Results will be made available online by Princeton Review. Register through our online calendar at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Inclusion Game Night Wed., Mar. 11 & Apr. 8, 6:30–8:30pm Teens and young adults of all abilities—and their families and friends— are invited to meet new people and try out a board game or card game in a relaxed setting. High school volunteers are welcome. Teen Book Craft Thurs., Mar. 12, 7–8pm Teen are invited to recycle an old book and fold an adorable book hedgehog or another shape. College Scholarships Thurs., Mar. 26, 7–8pm Learn about college opportunities from our ISAC representative, Martha Gutierrez. Free Extended Time SAT Practice Test Sat., Mar. 28, 11:30am–4:30pm Take a free practice test courtesy of Princeton Review. For the test, bring water, #2 pencils, and an energy snack, as well as an approved calculator. Results will be made available online by Princeton Review. Register through our online calendar at BataviaPublicLibrary.org. Lynn Rymarz portrays Susan B. Anthony, March 29

Books Between Bites Thurs., Mar. 19, 12pm Lester’s Book Club, presented by Lester Munson Thurs., Apr. 16, 12pm Questions That Matter, presented by its author, Roger Breisch

23 Learn to Play Dungeons and Dragons Sun., Apr. 5, 12:30–4:30pm Characters will be provided for you if you haven’t created your own already or come at 12:30pm and create a character on the spot. Dungeon masters from The Gaming Goat in Geneva will lead you through a basic campaign starting at 1:30pm that will teach you the basics of gameplay. Rock, Paper, Scissors with Machine Learning Thurs., Apr. 30, 7 pm Train a machine learning model to play rock, paper, scissors with students from the Illinois Math and Science Academy. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own laptops! Free Comic Book Day Sat., May 2, all day Stop by the Reference Desk and pick up a free comic book, courtesy of Graham Crackers Comics in St. Charles.

Other Computer Classes Introduction to Microsoft Word 2016, Part 1* Fri., Mar. 27, 9am Learn how to create, open, name, and save documents; move text; change type font, size, and color; and make text bold, italic, or underlined. **Microsoft Word proficiency required: Introduction to Microsoft Word 2016, Part 2** Fri., Apr. 3, 9am Learn how to use bulleted or numbered text and alphabetize text in lists; insert and format photographs, online art, and other images; insert and format text boxes; and insert lines, arrows, diagrams, and other shapes. Introduction to Microsoft Word 2016, Part 3** Fri., Apr. 10, 9am Learn how to insert headers and footers; insert decorative text using WordArt; insert accented letters and symbols; insert tables and charts; add page borders; use spelling and grammar check; use the thesaurus; and insert footnotes or endnotes. Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2016, Part 1** Wed., Apr. 22, 9am Summation; formulas; data entry; autofill; print Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2016, Part 2** Wed., Apr. 29, 9am Add and delete rows and columns; find and replace; sort; navigate workbooks; introduction to charts; security Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2016** Tues., May 5, 9am Registration Information: One-hour, hands-on computer classes. Basic computer skills, including mouse & keyboard proficiency, are required. Registration is required; please call the Reference Desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200.

Advance registration is required for programs designated Computer classes for adults Internet Classes *Internet proficiency required: Google Drive* Tues., Mar. 24, 9am Learn to save photos, MS Office documents, and more to the cloud using Google Drive. Students will need to create a Gmail account before class. Need help setting up a Gmail account? Stop by the Reference Desk for assistance sometime before class.

Youth Programs continued from page 21

Anime Mon., Mar. 30, 6–8:15pm Grades 5–8 Come talk about anime with your fellow anime enthusiasts. Whether you are just learning or you are an expert, join us for snacks, discussion, and an anime movie. Duplo & Lego ® Fun Fri., Apr. 3, 10am Ages 4–11 Drop by and build something with our Duplo and Lego bricks. No registration required. Batavia Public Library card required for admission. Space is limited. Please note children age 4–6 must be accompanied by an adult.

For Families Observation Stations March—Counting April—Book Spine Poetry Drop by the Youth Services department each month to see what is being explored through our Observation Station. Read Across America Mon., Mar. 2, 10:30–11:30am Mon., Mar. 2, 6:30–7:30pm It’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday! Join us as we celebrate the fun of reading and honor Dr. Seuss. Enjoy stories and book-related activities and games. No registration required.

24 Chess Saturday Sat., Mar. 21, 2pm Sat., Apr. 18, 2pm Ages 6 and older Students, teens, and adults of all skill levels are welcome to join us for an hour of play. Census Day Wed., Apr. 1, 10am–7pm Have you been counted? Today is officially Census Day 2020. Come to the Library for a craft, scavenger hunt, refreshments, and games to celebrate this once-a-decade event! Earth Day Upcycled Crafts Wed., Apr. 22, 4–6pm Choose a craft to make from recycled materials.

News from the Friends

What is the Friends of Batavia Public Library?

We are a 501(c)(3) organization that helps the Library by raising funds to support special programs for patrons of all ages and to purchase equipment that is beyond the Library’s regular budget. What do the Friends do?

The monthly book sales are one of the Friend’s largest volunteer efforts. Visitors are always welcome to observe and participate in the sorting process. To help with the book sale or for more information, email Friends@BataviaPublicLibrary.org or call 630-879-8220. Why should I join the Friends of the Library? • Meet your Batavia neighbors. Meet new people and make lasting friendships. • Learn valuable skills. Add work experience to your resume or gain a sense of personal enrichment. • Put your existing skills to good work. Your unique skills can help our organization run smoothly. • Help raise awareness in the community. You can help make sure your neighbors and colleagues are familiar with the services that the Library offers and taking full advantage of their tax dollars. • Members make a difference. By volunteering with us, you are giving back to your community. The feeling of fulfillment is second to none. What is a Friends membership?

Your membership is a yearly, monetary gift from you which helps us to fund things that are outside the Library’s budget. Annual dues are $5 for seniors, age 65 and older, $10 for other individuals, and $15 for families. Additional donations are welcome. Download a membership form: BataviaPublicLibrary.org/friends/

Upcoming 2020 Book Sale Dates

Saturday book sales in the FriendSpace on the Library’s lower level are held on the second Saturday of every month except June. Book sale dates in 2020 are Mar. 14, Apr. 11, May 9, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, and Dec. 12.

7th annual Prom Dress Giveaway Sat., Mar. 21, 9am–4pm At CHIP IN Batavia’s 7th annual Prom Dress Giveaway held at the Library, hundreds of dresses will be given away free of charge to any girl from any school district, regardless of need. Donations of prom dresses and accessories are being accepted through March 20, at the Library’s Check Out Desk for which will be held at the Batavia Public Library. Tax donation letters are available.

Free Comic Book Day Sat., May 2 Children may stop by the Youth Services Desk for a free comic book today, while supplies last.

And Don’t Miss These Spring Specials No registration necessary.

20 Questions for 2020 Mar. 8–Apr. 4 How well do you think you know Youth Services staff? Beginning Mar. 8, we will list answers to five questions that were asked of YS staff. Your challenge is to match the answer with the correct YS staff member. New questions/answers each week for four weeks. Children with the most correct answers will be entered into a prize drawing. Drop-In Craft Mon., Mar. 9, 4–6pm Spring Craft Fri., Mar. 27, 10am–2pm Spring Craft Wed., Apr. 1, 10am–7pm Census/Counting Craft

kaneneighbors.com 25 Wed., Apr. 22, 4–6pm Earth Day Upcycled Crafts Bingo Mon., Mar. 30, 11am For ages 3–14 Children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling. Chess Knight Tues., Mar. 31, 7pm Ages 6 and up Students, teens, and adults at all skill levels are welcome. Feel free to bring your favorite chessboard. Movie at the Library Thurs., Apr. 2, 11am All ages Call the Library for movie title, length, and rating.

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