Outside the box at the library

Published 10:08 pm Tuesday, May 2, 2017

You might expect that Batman, whose family fortune finances his high-tech approach to crime fighting, would have little need for a public library. After all, he probably has his own library with whatever books he might ever need or want to read.

But on Saturday, Batman made an appearance at the North Suffolk Public Library during the second annual IconiCon event, and he was joined by Batgirl, Lara Croft, the Flash and lots of other heroes and anti-heroes from film, television, literature and video games.

About 1,200 cosplayers and other fans of superheroes, science fiction, anime and other such genres enjoyed a few hours of fun and fantasy while getting a look at the newly renovated library during the event.

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Suffolk’s answer to the big, famous Comic-Con phenomenon was just what one might expect — cozy, friendly and family-oriented — and it was a great opportunity for folks at the library to show off their facility and, perhaps, entice a few newcomers to come back and enjoy its more traditional offerings.

There were crafts and video games, workshops and photo opportunities, and fans of all ages had the chance to be part of the fun. There was even a light saber academy for youngsters who fancied themselves the next Jedi knights.

IconiCon is a great example of how Suffolk’s public libraries are looking for opportunities to do things a little differently than they’ve been done in the past, chances to engage a new generation of readers in the fine resource that libraries represent.

Library officials are already planning for next year’s event, which they hope will be even bigger than this year’s. You might want to start working on your costume now.