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YA Comic Book Program
Program Name: Comics, Comics and More Comics
Program Topic: Comic Book and Graphic Novel Collecting
Created by: Kimberly Bolan, Network & Patron Services Librarian, Webster Public Library, Webster, NY
Overview:
Attention all comic book enthusiasts! Join us and learn some tips and tricks about the hobby of comic book collecting. You’ll also have a chance to swap comics if that’s what you’re looking for. And if that’s not enough comic stuff for one day…come hear aboutthe latest in graphic novels.
Goals for library and young adults:
1. To provide participants with an overview and tips to the hobby of comic book collecting.
2. To give participants an introduction to graphic novels.
3. To initiate a comic book swap.
Time required: 60 minutes Size of group: 20-25
Materials required:
Samples of comic books and graphic novels; easel, paper and marker for presenter to write on; some type of display for presenter to post samples; additional staff member may be needed to help monitor comic book swap
Program Procedure:
1. Ask someone from a local comic book store (or an avid collector) to talk to participants about collecting comic books and graphic novels. Ask the speaker to give a brief history of the hobby as well as various tips that would benefit someone beginning a new collection or expanding one that’s already started.
2. Have speaker give an overview of graphic novels. Set up a display of graphic novels for participants.
3. Encourage participants to bring their comic books with them for a comic swap.
Allow 10-25 minutes (dependant on turnout) at the end of the program for swap time. Ask the speaker to mediate the swap and have a staff member assist.
Evaluation:
Ask participants if they feel satisfied and if they could go out and work independently on building their collections. Did people swap comics? If so, how many? Did participants seem happy with their swaps? Did participants check out graphic novels or any other related materials? If so, what was the circulation?
Possible variation(s):
Try a comic strip or general comic drawing workshop. Teach participants how to write and draw their own stories, learn perspective, anatomy and other secrets of creating professional-looking comics. Have participants publish their own photocopy comic book or, if you’re really ambitious, try publishing it online.
Useful printed or Internet resources:
Bolan, Kim and Sally Snow. Graphic Novels Explained. Handout.
http://wizardworld.com/library (Wizard Magazine - comic books and graphic novels created just for librarians)
http://www.webcomics.com (Webcomics - Over 70 daily and weekly comic strips online)
Kim Bolan and Lisa C. Wemett, Webster Public Library, Webster, NY
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