Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette on Jan. 25, 2026

My love of fantasy started early with a loosely recalled animated series about a tiny unicorn on an epic quest. A middle school love of Beauty and The Beast grew into a high school obsession with The Dragonlance Chronicles. A sprawling adventure about a group of friends who band together to challenge the forces of evil. It pretty much set up the formula for every series I’ve loved since. Plus, there were dragons.

As an adult, A Song of Ice and Fire tested my patience and shook my sense of fictional safety to the core. Kim Wilkins’ Blood and Gold Series made me want – even more – to be a knight. And the first two books of The Kingkiller Chronicle changed me for good. They also made magic actually make sense. I loved all these books. But, it wasn’t until A Court of Mist and Fury – the second in the TikTok famous ACOTAR series – that I fell in love.

The romantasy subgenre is an intoxicating blend of romance and fantasy. Thanks to authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, it’s having a moment. Exploring epic worlds. Finding a friendship family. Fighting for good. All while falling in love with dragon riders and Fae High Lords. What’s not to love?

The only thing more fun than reading Romantasy is meeting other like-minded enthusiasts. The best way to do this is at themed events. Sadly, some are pricey, far away, or only open seasonally. The Ohio’s Renaissance Festival is a personal favorite. It is a testament to the commitment of Fantasy fans. Only open weekends through the fall, some revelers travel from all over to attend.

Luckily, there is an opportunity closer to home, and it’s free! For the second year in a row, CRCPL Adult Services Mages will transform the Main Library into a whimsical wood. Enjoy crowd favorites from last year and some new, exciting encounters!

Meet Creatures of Legend and their wildlife expert. Bid “good morrow” to Chief, our Listening Dragon. Make merriment, wands, and buttons in the Crafting Corner. Learn your Fantasy novel future with Bookish Tarot. Test your seeking skills with a Scavenger Hunt. And dance the night away under the stars in our second floor ballroom.

Guests are highly encouraged to wear your finest fantasy-themed attire, or come as you are. Either way, it will be an event for the ages. And speaking of ages, this event is intended for Adults only.

Step into the story at The Enchanted Library: A Fairy Ball. Friday, January 30th, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Main Library. For more information, call 740-702-4145 or visit our website at www.crcpl.org/events.

Sheena Brown is prone to falling for fictional characters and works as an Enrichment, Communications, and Marketing Clerk at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library.