Libraries are built on partnerships and collaborations and there isn’t one more adored than our high school library’s partnership with the New York State Writers Institute on the University at Albany campus. Their forward-thinking lineup has always been headline-making even before we entered the mix.

Our work together is why our students met Jason Reynolds a mere month after All American Boys was published with co-writer Brendan Kiely. It’s why our students met Nic Stone a few months after Dear Martin was published. And yesterday, it’s how at 4:50PM on a Friday afternoon, our students were able to meet co-writer of Rise of the Black Panther comics, Evan Narcisse.

Now, the next question surely is why it took place at 4:50PM and what in the world are 45 teens doing in their high school library at that time? I have an answer for you.

Because our kids are amazing. Anime Club meets every Friday and we were already planning to have a two hour meeting anyway. So on Thursday when we heard that Evan’s flight situation was less than ideal and we had to cancel his school appearance, we were still hoping for an after school visit drop in. Text updates were exchanged frequently but I still had no real answer to give to our kids.

4:45PM– Anime Club is winding down. Our video gaming stations were still smoking, there was still anime playing in the lab, and there were still colored pencils and drawing pens scattered around the tables. And in walked Mark, Paul, and Evan. Chaos ensued as Evan barely made it to our circulation desk before he was rushed for autographs. We inched our way to the tables, but no one would sit. They wanted to huddle around him like sardines packed in a can– tightly and without room to breath.

4:50PM– Questions are flying and Evan’s returning answers as quickly as he can in his vividly-colored suit. Scraps of paper, iPhones, and hoodies are being passed around for signatures as questions continue.

5:20PM– A few handfuls of kids have left, but there’s still a cadre asking questions (taking notes) and listening intently. Laughs. Illustrations shared. Smiles.

5:40PM– I’m eyeing the clock because I have to be downtown for a gala event beginning at 6PM put on by a non-profit fund that supports what we do in the library and district projects at large. Four kids remain. Questions that were prepared days in advance are being asked by Maxine, a prolifically talented artist. Briola is still taking notes as a writer herself asking for advice. Pictures are taken. Hugs are given. A brief bathroom break. Then a goodbye.

5:45PM– I’ve stepped into the backroom and changed into my fancy dress and heels. Author visit accomplished. I’ll have to gush over the pictures later but the warmth of another successful albeit brief author visit is in the books and all because of the New York State Writers Institute.

Did I mention that this partnership has brought its fair share of smiles? Yesterday and less than two weeks ago when they put on their inaugural book festival that included a dance party kickoff that included members of our Book and Anime Clubs as well as author presentations, panels, and signings on a beautiful Saturday. We appreciate their willingness to partner with us and bring these opportunities to our students on a Friday night or any other day of the week!