The Grundhauser Hero Lending Library

Few employees have embodied the spirit and soul of Atlas Obscura as thoroughly as Eric Grundhauser. Eric joined Atlas Obscura when it was just a couple part-timers working out of a tiny office in an industrial building in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Over the following decade, he remained a steadfast contributor to every part of the company. He was the ultimate utility player, who always stepped up when there was a job that needed to be done—from editing the Places database, to running tours of midtown Manhattan, to developing our membership program. But most importantly, he has always been always a source of joy and delight to his colleagues.

As he moves on to pursue his dreams at a major superhero franchise, his colleagues at Atlas Obscura wanted to celebrate Eric's service and show their love and appreciation for him. In his honor, they have created the Grundhauser Hero Lending Library.

Located inside of Brooklyn's Twenty Sided Store, a tabletop gaming shop beloved by Eric, the Grundhauser Hero Library is a shrine not just to the heroes of comic books but to the real-life heroes who inspire us. Visitors are invited to share stories and miniature figurines, post photos and poems — anything that will honor the heroes in their lives. Feeling disheartened? News got you down? Come find inspiration from the real hero tales your neighbors have shared within your community.

In addition, the library features a "need a hero, share a hero" shelf where visitors are encouraged to donate gently loved miniature hero figurines to those who could use a hero in their life. Retire the superhero action figures and D&D minis that have served you well.

Visit the library and share a story of a hero that inspires you.