Durham Comics Fest 2016: How a Local Library is Using Comics to Create the Next Generation of Readers

   Earlier today, I attended my first ever comic book swap. Sponsored by the Shannon Road Branch of the Durham County (NC) Public Library, the event was just a part of a week long event called Durham Comics Fest 2016. The Shannon Road Library has been putting on comic book themed events with local bookstores and comics shops in hopes of turning fans of superheroes into readers. Every month, the library puts on comics themed events as well as host a graphic novel club. Thanks to the success of those activities, the library began an annual festival open to anyone, even those without a library card! This is the 3rd or 4th straight year of the Durham Comics Fest and my only regret is that I didn't find o

Simple Rules For Fun!

ut about this sooner.
     Events earlier in the week included art workshops, meet and greets, and a collaborative off-site event sponsored by the Durham Comics Project. But today's festivities were the meat and potatoes of the event. Throughout the day local artists including award winning creator of Th(ink) Keith Knight and Olympians series creator George O'Connor would be leading workshops and lectures for aspiring comic artists and writers of all ages. Plus, there were giveaways, cool stuff for sale, and (my favorite) free comic books. 
     I had a couple hundred comics that were either doubles or things I didn't want. Being such a fan of comic book grab bags, you'd be surprised how much extra accumulates. So I was gung-ho to join up with the Comics Fest's first activity of the day- the Comics Swap.

CHC is a great family centered LCS!

    The rules of the swap were simple. 1) Have Fun and 2) No Pressure. You didn't have to donate books to the swap but it helped. The freebies were assembled throughout the room and readers of all-ages got to collect some new reads for absolutely free! For a veteran collector like myself, I was able to unload some titles taking up much needed space while racking up on some things on my wish list for no money! Oh, how awesome is the bartering system!
    The Durham Comics Fest wraps up tomorrow with a screening of Dear Mr. Watterson, a documentary on the impact of Bill Watterson's epic strip Calvin and Hobbes has had on the comics industry. The event will begin at 3:00pm.

Cartoonist Keith Knight's Wares For Sale

     For more info about the screening and to find out about further comic themed events Check out the Shannon Rd. Branches website. Maybe you can even get some ideas from the great gang at this location for putting on a comic book swap and fest at the library in your community!
   Happy Reading...