Airdrie Public Library (APL) is set to host Free Comic Book Day May 4, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Free comic books, generously provided by Diamond Comic Distributors, are guaranteed for the first 50 participants and, this year, APL has added some special activities.
A League of Super Dads, a new weekly Saturday program for dads and their kids, will take off at 10:15 a.m., followed by a themed Family Storytime at 11:30 a.m. The library will also have face painting, mask decorating, a scavenger hunt, a make your own comic station and much more.
Promoted by the North American comic book industry, this international event was first held in 2002. In the years since, it has gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon, with thousands of retailers involved in giving away millions of comic books each year.
While comic books continue to grow in popularity, the genre has generally struggled to gain recognition alongside its words-only literary cousin – books. However, the awarding of the Pulitzer for the New York Times nonfiction graphic novel about Syrian refugees, Welcome to the New World, affirms comic books have the potential to tell stories equal to the most beautifully-written novels on APL’s shelves.
Stop by and see our fantastic collection of comic books, and come dressed as your favourite character for Free Comic Book Day.
This week is also your last chance to see the truly inspiring high school art exhibit at APL.
Ranging from the evocative to the figurative, these works from Bert Church, St. Martin de Porres, and W.H. Croxford high-school students, are coming down at the end of this month. This annual exhibit is worth seeing, and pieces can be purchased from the artists.
In its place, the colourful art of Airdrie’s Dan Morvillo will find a home at APL for May and June. Not to be missed, Morvillo’s work is vibrant and alive with scenes from Alberta’s wilderness.
For more information on APL’s programs and services, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca, call 403-948-0600 or stop by and get your free library card.
