Batavia Public Library

Programs For Adults And Teens

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 R.

Feature Program

New Lyceum Lecture Series

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2022-23 Season Sponsor

To the Moon and Back:

The Chicago Connection R

Thursday, April 27, 7 p.m.

In person

The first man to the moon, the last man to walk on the moon, and the person who made it all possible. These three men all have a deep connection with Chicago. Join local NASA Ambassador Ed Rafacz to learn about the local and very, very far away connections.

QUESTIONS & ANCESTORS GENEALOGY SERIES

Ancestry.com Primer R

Monday, April 3, 7 p.m.

In person

This presentation will look at the Ancestry.com site and review what it has to offer beginners as well as more advanced genealogy researchers. It also will discuss what is available through the free site and the paid subscription. Whether you are just starting out and want to host a tree at Ancestry, or have been researching for years but want more information online, this is the session for you.

2023 Tournament of Books

If you’re a fan of new fiction, join us March 13-April 6 for the Library’s eighth annual Tournament of Books. Sixteen of 2022’s best fiction books — chosen by Batavia Public Library staff — will contend for Batavia’s favorite fiction book of the year in playoff-style brackets. Vote in each week’s round on our website and in the Library. Look for the announcement of the Sweet Sixteen titles and a tournament bracket on our Facebook page, Instagram, and our website.

Monthly Programs

Books Between Bites

Thursday, March 16, Noon

Batavia resident Teri Dykhuis presents “Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis” by Elin Kelsey.

Thursday, April 20, Noon

Batavia resident Sammi King presents “Mom’s Time-Out,” sharing humorous and heartfelt stories from the home front.

Book Discussion R

“Taste: My Life Through Food” by Stanley Tucci

Tuesday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.

In person

A book by the well-known actor, who also wrote two cookbooks. Stanley Tucci takes us through his life with food and recipes and the stories behind them.

Sundays On Stage

The Batavia Public Library Foundation is the 2023 Season Sponsor.

Rosie the Riveter R Sunday, March 26, 2 p.m.

In person

Join historical storyteller Lynn Rymarz as she shares the story of Geraldine Hoff Doyle, the image behind the iconic poster of Rosie the Riveter. “We Can Do It!”

“If We Were Villains” by M. L. Rio

Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.

In person

A novel about murder and obsession that takes place at an Illinois college specializing in Shakespeare studies. The story is woven together with poetry and plots straight from Shakespeare’s plays.

Community Check-In with Misty & Aimee

Check in with Misty and Aimee from Batavia Public Library. Catch them on our social media pages chatting with local and famous authors, and showing you cool things you can do and check out at your Library. You will need a personal Instagram or Facebook account to interact with us. Follow us and turn on notifications so you don't miss our videos! #mistyandaimee

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ bataviapubliclibrary

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BataviaPublicLibrary

Rock ’n’ Roll Roadshow R Sunday, April 30, 2 p.m.

In person

Randy Walker presents a fastpaced show combining ‘50s, Sun Records, ‘60s Surf, Motown and a variety of hits from the ‘50s through the ‘70s.

Illinois Libraries Present

The Weird & Wonderful World with Mary Roach

R

Wednesday, March 1, 7 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Experience an entertaining and hilarious evening with New York Times best-selling science author Mary Roach — despite her claim that “people call me a science writer, though I don't have a science degree and sometimes have to fake my way through interviews with experts I can't understand!” Roach will discuss her frank approach to science, the importance of humor, and the weird, wonderful world in which we live.

Danny Trejo talks Tacos, Hollywood, and Redemption R

Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Actor/author/restaurateur Danny Trejo has developed a prolific career in the entertainment industry with a hard-earned and atypical road to success. From years of imprisonment to helping troubled youth battle addiction, to acting, producing and now restaurant ventures, Trejo’s name, face, and achievements are well recognized in Hollywood and beyond.

Secrets of the Puzzle Master: A Conversation with Will Shortz R

Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m.

Online via Zoom

What’s an enigmatologist? It’s Will Shortz, the world’s only academically accredited puzzle master. Join us for a conversation with the famous editor of the New York Times crossword puzzle.

These events are made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. To request accommodations, please email illinoislibrariespresent@gmail.com.

ONE BOOK, ONE BATAVIA

The 2023 selection is “Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers.” Please visit the Library, or our website at BataviaPublicLibrary.org, to reserve a copy. The Library presents special programming based on this selection:

Van Gogh in the South of France R

Wednesday, March 1, 7 p.m.

Online via Zoom from home or in Library on the big screen

In this live Zoom program, art historian Jeff Mishur discusses Vincent van Gogh's prolific years in Southern France. Watch online from the comfort of your home or together in a group in the Library.

The Fine Art of Letter Writing R

Thursday, March 9, 7 p.m.

In person

We wouldn't know so much about Vincent van Gogh if he and his brother didn't write each other so many letters. Kimberly Adami Hasegawa talks about why letter writing is important, and fun ways to fit it into our modern lives.

Paint in the Style of Vincent van Gogh R

Wednesday, March 15, 6 p.m.

In person

Ready to try your hand at Impressionism? Paint in the style of Vincent van Gogh with resident artist and librarian, Aimee Marx. Please wear clothing you wouldn't mind getting paint on or bring an apron. We will provide all supplies, including paint, brushes, canvas, water, easel, etc. All you need is your creativity.

Author Spotlight: Deborah Heiligman R

Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m.

Online via Zoom from home or in Library on the big screen

Deborah Heiligman has written many books for children, including Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner “Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers.” Heiligman will tell how she meticulously researched Vincent van Gogh's life, drawing on the 658 letters he wrote to his brother Theo during his lifetime, weaving a tale of two lives intertwined and the extraordinary love of the van Gogh brothers. You may watch online from the comfort of your home or during a watch party in the Library.