The many fundraising efforts and volunteer hours by members of the Friends of the Batavia Public Library have allowed us to sponsor /support the following Library programs, services, and collections.

 

One Book, One Batavia –This yearly program sponsored by the Friends brings members of the community together to read and discuss one book, the works of a selected author, or a topic. During the past eight years, One Book, One Batavia events have included visits from authors Lois Lowry, Alex Kotlowitx, Mawi Asgedom, and Connie Willis, as well as a variety of programs related to Chicago / Chicago history, the Civil War / Abraham Lincoln, the Middle Ages, and even ghosts! 

 

Jane Hamilton, best-selling author, provided the program for the first Friends annual meeting in the new Library.  

 

The Alphabet Garden – With much weeding, thinning, and transplanting, the Friends renewed and revitalized this flower bed located outside of the Youth Services department. With the addition of a birdhouse and colorful plant identification signs, the Alphabet Garden now serves as an educational tool for parents to introduce their children to the wonders of Mother Nature.  

 

Library Reading Clubs – Prize books for the Summer Reading Club and prizes, such as games and savings bonds, book lights, and mugs for the Winter Reading Club are provided by the Friends.  

 

Purchases – The Friends’ fundraising efforts have provided a host of “extras” for the Library, including:  

 

·  Historical Chicago Tribune, 1847–1985, a full-text search of every page, including advertising

   (one-year pilot)·          

   A motorized scooter for use by mobility-impaired patrons

·  Flatbed scanner for Library use

·  Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley Trivia Bee – sponsorship of two Library teams

·  MP3 players and subscription for ListenIllinois downloadable book program

·  Baby Book Bags

·  Co-sponsored Windmill City: A Guide to the Historic Windmills of Batavia, Illinois" booklet

·  Audiobooks and mystery novels to supplement the Library's collection  

 

·  Coming in 2010 – sponsorship of a New Lyceum Lecture Series program  

 

 

Friends of the Batavia Public Library 
10 S. Batavia Ave.
Batavia, IL 60510-2793
(630) 879-8220
friends@bataviapubliclibrary.org