Batman turns 75 this year and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is celebrating with a week of free activities.
Five Batman movies will be screened at the Main Library’s McMaster Center, 325 N. Michigan St.: “Batman the Movie” 1-3 p.m. July 21; “Batman Forever” 1-3 p.m. July 22; “Batman Begins” 6-8:20 p.m. July 23; “Batman” 1-3 p.m. July 24; and “Batman and Robin” 1-3 p.m. July 25.
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People can vote for their favorite Batman all week on paper ballots available at the Main Library. The winner will be announced July 26 at Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave., during a Batman “reader’s theater” program.
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The free, all-ages program is set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 26 at Sanger’s meeting room where a group of “Bat-thespians” will act out prominent moments in the Dark Knight’s history, said Allison Fiscus, assistant manager at Sanger. There will also be displays of vintage Batman memorabilia and comic books as well as giveaways and photos with Batman, Fiscus said. Costumes are encouraged.
Fiscus said Ed Katsche, owner of Monarch Cards & Comics, approached the library about organizing and sponsoring the event at Sanger. Local comic book writer and Toledo Free Press columnist Jim Beard organized the “reader’s theater” portion of the program.
“It’s going to focus on Batman throughout history, not just the origins and not just the modern-day Batman, but really an overall look at the different eras the character has gone through,” Fiscus said.
The “Bat-Thespians” will be Beard, Beard’s wife Becky Beard, TFP Pop Culture Editor Jeff McGinnis, TFP Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller and Matthew Gretzinger.
“We’re going to walk them through 75 years of Batman and illustrate what makes the character one for the ages with both images and words,” Jim Beard said. “Our ‘reader’s theater’ element will immerse the audience in Batman’s world, and bring the stories to life.
“Even though Batman has been around for 75 years and has adapted to each decade’s moods and themes, he’s essentially the same superhero we’ve known and loved all this time. The talk will show that there’s literally been a Batman for everyone — and that it’s been the same one all along.”
Other activities planned include Batman-themed crafts and puzzles 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. July 21 in the Main Library’s teen computer area; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 at the Point Place Branch Library’s children’s area, 2727 117th St.; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 in the Main Library’s children’s computer area.
