Annual Library Fair is a Fun and Friendly Success

The library fair this year was a blast! COVID-19 friendly and self-led, it allowed each individual to make it their own. I went to get the full experience. Initially upon walking in, it was not apparent that a library fair was going on, besides the pink and red decorations sprinkled tastefully throughout the area. The front desk worker directed me to the story booklets which were the central feature of the fair. Using the book, each participant was directed through writing their own villain’s, named Queen of Hearts, story. Each page had a station at which there was information that helped prompt you to write that part of the story. 

The prompts were as follows: What do you think went wrong in the Queen of Hearts’ ordinary world? Basically, what is the backstory to your villain? Then, the call to the unknown, what is the Queen of Hearts’ call to go on? How does tragedy affect her mental state as she made this decision? Next, the refusal of the call, what is holding the Queen of Hearts back from doing something evil and following the call? What risks are becoming apparent? 

Next, the participant is prompted to create a mentor for the villain to meet with. Finally, the villain answers the call. The author is asked to contemplate how anger plays into villainy. This leads up to the final battle, which ultimately leads to defeat and good winning. Each prompt had a table with writing help. 

I followed the path through an exquisitely decorated stairwell filled with drawings of fictitious villains, then proceeded through a confusing maze while being given directions via call numbers. Thankfully, there were some very helpful staff around to help out those who struggle with the dewey decimal system! Then there was a game of croquet, in which the person with the lowest score of the day won a prize. There was also a prize drawing for attendees and a prize for the best story written. Overall, the library fair was fun even for those like myself who don’t typically enjoy creative writing.

Jade Covel is a Senior

Religion Major from

Topeka, Kansas