Cazenovia — On Friday, Dec. 11, the Cazenovia Public Library will host a release party and book singing event for local authors Alan and Ann Rothschild to celebrate their new book, “Make: Inventing a Better Mousetrap.” All proceeds from book sales at the event will be donated to the library.
“Make: Inventing a Better Mousetrap” presents 200 years of American history in the amazing world of patent models. Featured are patent models by 400 men and women inventors. Some became famous — B.F.Goodrich and Christian Steinway — but most did not. In the Rothschild book, these, too, are finally recognized for their ingenuity and imagination, and with them the historic, scientific and artistic value of their models.
The Rothschild presentation will highlight these values and the role that patent models played in American history during a period of intense technological advancement, the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, deep insight into the cultural, economic and political history of the United States comes alive on the pages of this book, all though the stories of patent models. Anyone interested in learning to make a patent model will find in the book six patent models and the step-by-step instructions and resources to replicate them.
While inside the library, attendees can take a moment to enjoy the patent model display in the “Local History” area. These, too, have been donated by the Rothschilds, and provide historic examples of American ingenuity.
“The Rothschild Patent Model Collection lets us see how different our lives would be without the spirit of invention. Seeing what other inventors have done is what motivates us to think outside of the box and to look at life differently. Do we want to watch life go by or be a part of it?” said Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer.
The release party and book singing event will begin at 7 p.m. in the library community room. In addition to the Rothschilds’ presentation, refreshments (and conversation) will be served. The event is free and open to all.
For more information, call 655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
