BELMONT – Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will have a special look into the process of collecting, preserving and framing the pages of rare books during February’s First Tuesday Presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at noon.

The presentation is inspired by the collectible 19th century books and botanical prints to be featured in the Art & Orchids: Victorian Botanicals exhibition which opened Feb. 3.

Local artist and rare book collector Craig McCausland will explain how he started on the road to collecting such rare and stunning publications. He’ll tell a special story or two along the way, too.

He will be joined by framer Joy Owens of Things Remembered: Gifts, Framing and More who has hints on how to preserve special treasures such as antique prints and the pages of antique books.

First Tuesday presentations are free with general garden admission. Admission for garden members is free, $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors 60+, and $6.95 for children 2-12. Guests are encouraged to bring lunch or go to The Garden Store for lunch.

For more information about this and other events at the Garden visit http://www.dsbg.org/events/garden-events/public-garden-events/

On “N.C. Bookwatch”

Carole Boston Weatherford & Jeffery Weatherford talk about “You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen” on “North Carolina Bookwatch” today at noon and Thursday at 5 p.m.

This book, though aimed at a young audience, will be appreciated by readers of any age. “It includes narrative poetry written by Weatherford, a North Carolina award-winning author.

The airmen’s training, trials and triumphs are documented through her poignant poems and dramatic illustrations fashioned by her son. The book follows the accomplishments of the black airmen who triumphed over the Axis in the skies over Europe in World War II. When they came back home they were equipped to work to overcome color barriers in America.

The feelings of an airman’s first solo in training are captured with these words, which will ring true for any pilot:  “Finally, your moment./ After eight hours of lessons,/ it’s your turn to fly solo,/ to conquer a new world./ You steer as if you and the plane are one./ You have never felt freer./ Never.”