Super Hero Themed Family Fair Day at the New Rochelle Library

Costumed “super heroes” of all ages thronged to the New Rochelle Public Library on Sunday, October 3rd for Family Fair Day, hosted by the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation.

Inspired by Comic Con, the theme for the day was RECHARGE YOUR SUPERPOWERS AT THE LIBRARY, and kids got to meet both make-believe heroes -- like Iron Man -- and the real-life variety, fire fighters from the NRFD and policemen from the NRPD.

A highlight of the day was an appearance by Meghan McCarthy, award-winning author and illustrator of books including Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs; Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum; and Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse. McCarthy talked about creating graphic novels, from idea through publication.

Afterward kids had a chance to create their own comic books, see a magic show, run an obstacle course, dance to tunes from DJ Smithyboy, pose for souvenir photos on a special photo booth, try out judo, take part in a costume parade, and more. New Rochelle Radiology’s balloon sculpture booth and glitter tattoo activities proved to be huge favorites among the younger set.

Upstairs in the Teen Room there was a virtual presentation by graphic novelist Jerry Craft, author of the New York Times bestseller New Kid (winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award and Kirkus Prize). A video game tournament followed at 2 pm, and teens also had the chance to try their hand at designing tattoos using washable body ink.

At 3 pm local politicians, including County Executive George Latimer, New York State Assembly Member Amy Paulin, and Mayor Noam Bramson, joined New Rochelle Public Library Trustees and NRPL Foundation members for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the library’s newly renovated 2nd floor. Encompassing the Handelman Business Opportunity Center, Teen Center, Local History Room, private study areas and expanded Spanish language collection, the

renovation cost just under $700,000 and was funded by a NY State Grant with required matching funds provided by the NRPL Foundation.

Family Fair Day committee co-chair Lynn Green was delighted with the crowds who attended, and co-chair Aline Misner Halle said the day was a great demonstration of community spirit. “A man approached me to say he was from Middletown, NY and had come for the day to check out New Rochelle,” she said. “He had been undecided … but he told me that after attending this event, he hands down wants to move to New Rochelle. He said, it is events like this that make up a community that he wants to be a part of.”

The New Rochelle Public Library’s Main Branch is the centerpiece of a rapidly changing, revitalized downtown community, while the Huguenot Children’s Library is unique in the County as the only free-standing children’s library. Through their expansive, year-round creative programming, the two branches provide families invaluable resources that support learning, adventure and growth – all free to the public.

Family Fair Day was sponsored by New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, Cappelli Organization, Douglas Elliman, MacQuesten, Signature Bank, George T. Davis Funeral home, RXR, Ellen and Steve Sonet, M & T Bank, NRNY, Marjorie Bliss, Masonry Depot, New Rochelle Radiology, Century 21, the Rotary, the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID).

The Family Fair Day committee, co-chaired by Lynn Green and Aline Misner Halle, included Rio Aucena, Tom Geoffino, Lisa Itzkowitz, Theresa Kump Leghorn, Karel Littman, Alisa Mannis, Ed Roddy, Chris Selin, Robert Simic.

To learn more about the NRPL Foundation visit www.nrplfoundation.org.