Spider senses will be tingling across New York City as the New York Public Library (NYPL) and Marvel Entertainment join forces to release a special, limited-edition Spider-Man library card on Oct. 11 to inspire new and existing patrons to explore a multitude of free books, resources and programs at the library, including Marvel graphic novels.
This dynamic collaboration — which debuts just in time for New York Comic Con — marks the 60th anniversary of Spider-Man’s first comic book appearance in “Amazing Fantasy #15” and emphasizes the importance of reading, knowledge and libraries to Peter Parker’s crime-fighting comic book adventures. Images of Spider-Man — alongside Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, two other iconic web-slingers — will be featured on the card, as well as on upcoming banners outside the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and the windows of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, exciting patrons of all ages to tap into the unique power of reading, comics and libraries to discover their inner super hero. Details about the card and related activities are available online at nypl.org/beyondamazing.
The Spider-Man card follows in the footsteps of previous library cards issued for the beloved children’s book “The Snowy Day” and the library’s “Knowledge Is Power” card; aiming to help New Yorkers discover their full potential by tapping into the power of everything NYPL has to offer — millions of books to help readers scale new heights, a web of information via free computers and internet access and a super-team of library staff — all available at your friendly neighborhood library.
The release of the Spider-Man card also marks the one-year anniversary of the library’s decision to eliminate fines as a way to remove barriers to accessing the library for all New Yorkers. This historic move was even a plot point in Marvel Comics’ “Amazing Spider-Man #900,” released on July 27. In a special story written by Daniel Kibblesmith, drawn by David Lopez and colored by Nathan Fairbairn, Peter Parker returns a large stack of overdue books to the library after learning of the elimination of late fines. Readers can check out “Amazing Spider-Man #900” in a special bonus release on Marvel Unlimited, Marvel’s premier digital comics subscription service.
The launch of the special-edition card also marks the start of the library’s Open House week, which begins Oct. 11. The card will be available to new and current patrons free on a first-come, first-serve basis at all NYPL branches, located throughout the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Libraries will be hosting a variety of programs and events throughout the week, as well as featuring book displays and reading recommendations from a special reading list curated by NYPL staff.
“Reading is a superpower — one that provides everyone with the ability to learn, to be inspired, and understand the world more fully,” said New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx. “At The New York Public Library we remain dedicated to providing books and resources that help New Yorkers reach new heights and working with Marvel on this exciting, limited-edition Spider-Man card reinforces the exceptional accomplishments people can achieve when they have access to information. It also states unequivocally that we think our patrons are ‘beyond amazing.’”
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