The following article was submitted by Susie Menk, a Youth Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Is everybody ready for some fun?! Manitowoc Public Library is suiting-up for a day of fun and activities on Saturday, May 7, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Come to the Library for Comic Day!
Since the 1940s when the first serial about comic book heroes began, comic book characters have been a big part of people’s lives. Comic books themselves have grown into a huge industry and if you are lucky enough to own a first issue of a well-known or beloved title, it could be worth a fair amount of money. Recently, we have seen a huge explosion in the movie industry with Marvel and DC vying for who can come out with movies faster.
The Library is going to have a day of fun and activities revolving around comic book characters. Come dressed up as your favorite character—whether it be a hero or a villain! There will be a costume contest for kids and one for adults. Judging will be based on accuracy, craftsmanship, and presentation, and prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place. Sign up for the contest at the registration table.
Throughout the day there will be a scavenger hunt available, as well. Scavenger hunt sheets will be issued at a table near the Teen Hangout. These sheets will direct patrons to find eight clues in the Adult Sections and eight clues in the Youth Department. Answers will be in the form of issue numbers of popular comics that have been published. Patrons can find either eight clues or finish all sixteen. Either way, there will be small prizes for completing the scavenger hunt.
Comic book characters will also be part of the craft activities for the day. Button making and mask making craft tables will be set up at various stations in the Library. Patrons can make a button with a popular comic book character or decorate a mask to emulate their hero or create one of their own.
Teens will be able to participate in a special comic book drawing class. Classes will be taught in the Idea Box makerspace and will taught using a free app called SketchBook Pro. Registered participants will learn how to make basic body parts and then embellish them to create their own comic book characters. If participants choose, they can enter their drawings into an online contest for the chance to win a prize!
Sounds awesome, right?! Well, there’s more! Manitowoc Public Library is partnering with Free Comic Book Day to give away comic books, while supplies last.
Join in the fun! Suit up in your favorite costume, meet fellow enthusiasts, and get a free comic book! It’s going to be a great day at Manitowoc Public Library!
Here’s a brief overview of the day’s activities:
- Event runs from 9 AM to 2 PM
- Costume Contests @ 11 AM
- Teen Drawing Classes @ 10 AM & 12 PM—REGISTRATION REQUIRED
- Mask making and button making available All Day
- Scavenger Hunt available all day
- Comic book giveaway while supplies last