Local Voices
Local libraries will keep you busy during February
From astronomy to works of art, libraries offer a variety of activities for adults this month
The Batavia Public Library maintains an interesting art collection that includes watercolor paintings of some of Batavia’s unique structures, including Bellevue Place (above). My favorite is the painting of Stone Manor. I can see the actual structure from my kitchen window. The art items are all displayed at the library, and the library’s website includes images of other items available for viewing.
Also at the Batavia library this month:
• The library will host a presentation that explores the persuasive force of the Declaration of Independence and President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at noon Feb. 15. The program will feature the work of authors Dan Van Haften and David Hirsch. Admission is free, bu registration is encouraged.
Find out what's happening in Bataviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
• William Pack will share stories about Illinois history at 7 p.m, Feb. 19. The presentation will include an opportunity to your knowledge of Illinois trivia. Admission is free, but registration is required.
• The library will welcome Leslie Goddard as she portrays the artist Georgia O’Keeffe at 2 p.m. Feb. 25. O’Keeffe is known for her paintings of flowers, landscape and nature that were located near her home in New Mexico. The performance is part of the library’s Sundays on Stage series. Registration is required and can be completed by calling the library at 630-879-1393.Find out what's happening in Bataviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Geneva Public Library District
The library will host a presentation about some of the highlights from the Hubble Space Telescope program at 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Michelle Nichols of the Adler Planetarium will present some of the images and science from the last 25 years of Hubble's mission. Nichols will also provide a look at Hubble's 2018 replacement - the James Webb Space Telescope.
Messenger Public Library
The library will show director Billy Wilder’s gem “The Apartment,” starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray, at 2 p.m. Feb. 18. The movie won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. The screening is part of the library’s Classic Cinema Sunday series. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.St. Charles Public Library
The library will host An Afternoon with President Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom at 1 p.m. Feb. 14. Presenter Kevin Wood will portray Lincoln and share quotes from Lincoln’s speeches and writings. Admission is free, but registration is required.
The library’s Classic Movie Afternoon series will screen “Sunset Boulevard" at 2 p.m. Feb. 22. The movie was directed by Billy Wilder and stars William Holden and Gloria Swanson. Both actors were nominated for Academy Awards, and the film won three Oscars in technical categories.
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