Looking for something exciting to do this weekend? Head over to the Somerville Library for the second annual SPL Comix Con. The event just so happens to coincide with Free Comic Book Day.
In recent years, libraries have become more involved with FCBD, putting on local conventions to pull in crowds. It’s all to celebrate visual arts and the written word.
“Last year’s event was one of the best attended events the library has ever put on,” said Ellen Jacobs, SPL’s Youth Services librarian and organizer of the mini con.
The SPL Comix Con is an all-ages celebration of film, science fiction, fantasy and comics fandom. The children’s department will feature face painting, mask-making and wand-making workshops, photo ops in front a green screen or behind superhero cutouts, a kid’s cosplay contest, and a kid’s dance party deejayed by Jeff Czekaj.
The teen area will host a trivia contest that will challenge contestants’ knowledge of Star Wars (11:30 am), Harry Potter (12:30 pm) and Game of Thrones (1:30 pm).
For more serious comics enthusiasts, local artist Jerzy will lead a 1:00 pm drawing workshop, and at 2:30, Boston-area artists will lead a panel discussion on the Boston comics scene. Shoppers might want to make a stop at the artist’s alley, which runs from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. The SPL Friends of the Library will be there selling comics from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
A scavenger hunt and Pokémon Go trading post will take place in the library’s upper level. And outside, Boston Lightsaber will perform a Princess Bride-themed lightsaber battle. Members of the 501st Legion will participate in Star Wars cosplay.
The SPL Comix Con will be free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Somerville Public Library at (617) 623-5000, extensions 2936 (teen services) or 2950 (children’s services).
May the Fourth be with you!
Somerville Public Library, 79 HIghland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143
