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HOSTING A �COMIC CON �AT YOUR LIBARY

EMILY VINCI, FICTION MANAGER

NOVEMBER 14, 2019

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WHY COMIC CON AT YOUR LIBRARY?

        • ultimate all ages program
  • motivate staff to try new programs and use their interests in their jobs
  • show that the library is interested in current pop culture, comics and relevant to everyday interests
  • introduce non-library users to collections, programming, and the library

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HOW CAN MY LIBRARY DO THIS?

Things to have in mind when you decide to host a Comic Con:

      • time, location, space
      • effect it will have on regular services and daily operations
      • staffing needs
      • partnerships and natural allies
      • off-site possibilities, other options

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GETTING STARTED

  • brainstorming sessions
  • keep in mind your target audience
  • resources you have on hand
  • staff resources and equipment
  • performers & artists
        • will likely need to be booked far in advance
  • What are popular programs you already have, and how can you put a pop culture spin on them for Comic Con?

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SCOPE & SIZE OF YOUR CON

  • Will your Con take place throughout the library or will it be contained in one spot/room?
  • Aside from your core planning team, who will staff your Con?
  • What is your budget?
              • All of these questions will help you determine how big your Con will be before you even pick the date.
  • Talk to your management team! Get them on board and keep them in the loop.

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SETTING THE DATE

Timing is everything

  • conflict with other local Cons
  • school year
  • community events
  • weather conditions (if applicable)

Strategic date tie-ins with other pop culture events … (or not!)

  • May the 4th
  • Free Comic Book Day
  • Harry Potter’s birthday

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PROGRAMMING CHOICES

  • taking traditional Comic Con features and making them accessible to patrons
  • relating it to pop culture and libraries
  • utilize resources your library already has and make it Comic Con-esque
  • mesh principles behind Comic Con and nerd culture into library life

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MAIN ATTRACTIONS

cosplayers

panels & workshops

artists

vendors

gaming

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KID OR FAMILYEVENTS

Crafts for kids

  • superhero capes, armbands, masks,

coloring sheets

Costume parade and Fashion Show

  • no cost to facilitate
  • attendees can show off what they made/wore
  • shows patrons areas of the library they never/seldom see

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FANDOM FRENZY

For Teens and Adults:

  • trivia
  • game
  • snack
  • craft

*chance to geek out with like-minded friends and find new fandoms to explore

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CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

  • Drawing workshop
        • can separate by age
        • give it a comic con twist- superheroes, Star Wars theme etc.
  • Fandom art
  • Zine workshop

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ARTIST ALLEY

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PROGRAMMING ON THE CHEAP/DIY

  • pull from multiple departments
  • utilize staff talents
  • make use of in-house resources

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PARTNERSHIPS

  • comic shops & bookstores
  • game stores
  • collectibles shops
  • comics publishers
  • nerdy organizations
  • cosplayers
  • costume shops

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PRO TIPS

  • Additional staff members want to help, so let them!
  • delegate responsibilities for before, during, and after the Con
  • make sure everyone knows their duties
  • keep it all ages & family friendly
  • be flexible
  • It will be loud!