Mark your calendars! Sixteen libraries will offer readers free comic books on Saturday, May 4 in celebration of the12th anniversary of Free Comic Book Day. Library patrons showing their valid Hawaii State Public Library System card will receive a special free comic book, while supplies last. Participating libraries' local Friends groups, Jelly's the Original, and Collector Maniacs are sponsoring this year's event.
Free Comic Book Day (www.freecomicbookday.com) is celebrated worldwide on the first Saturday in May and participating libraries and comic book shops have given away millions of free comic books over the past 11 years. Each participating HSPLS library will offer a variety of comic books for all ages. Readers can choose from among popular series including : "DC Nation Super Sampler #1," "Disney Fairies," "Dragon Ball & Rurouni Kenshin Restoration," "Sesame Street & Strawberry Shortcake," "Star Wars" and "Walking Dead Special." Comic book selections will vary by library.
Participating public libraries include:
Oahu – Aiea Public Library, Aina Haina Public Library, Hawaii Kai Public Library, Kailua Public Library, Kalihi-Palama Public Library, Kapolei Public Library, Liliha Public Library, McCully-Moiliili Public Library, Mililani Public Library, Waimanalo Public & School Library; Big Island – Hilo Public Library and Thelma Parker Memorial Public & School Library; Kauai – Princeville Public Library; and Maui – Kihei Public Library, Lahaina Public Library, and Makawao Public Library.
Special programs will be offered at three participating libraries:
* McCully-Moiliili Public Library: 10:30 a.m. – "Meet Cartoonist Ray Friesen." Friesen, a California-based cartoonist and writer, will talk about cartooning and publishing his newest graphic novel "Pirate Penguin Versus Ninja Chicken." Next, Pen & Ink Works, a local artist group, will conduct a drawing demonstration, discuss their artwork in the anthology "Hachi Maru Hachi," and lead games and other activities. Participants can enter a lucky drawing to win a free prize. These programs are suitable for ages 10 and older.
* Lahaina Public Library: 11 a.m. – "Meet Homestuck Webcomic Costumed Characters." "Homestuck" is an interactive webcomic created by artist Andrew Hussie and is the fourth comic series to be published on the website MS Paint Adventures. This program is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
* Kihei Public Library: noon – 4 p.m. – "Meet Comic Book Artist James Silvani." Silvani, a Kihei-based comic book artist, is known for his drawings and artwork in titles including: "Disney's Darkwing Duck," "The Muppets," "Ducktales," Dreamworks' "How to Train Your Dragon," "Penguins of Madagascar," Warner Brothers' "Animaniacs," and "The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." This program is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Contact the hosting library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed for these programs.
In addition, costumed characters from the Pacific Outpost of the 501st Imperial Legion, Rebel Legion Hawaii, and Costumers Guild of Hawaii will be appearing at selected libraries. Library patrons are invited to bring their cameras for a photo opportunity with their favorite intergalactic heroes and villains. Please visit www.librarieshawaii.org to find out at which libraries and what time the costumed character groups will be appearing and for further information.
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PHOTO CAPTIONS:
1. Audra Ann Furuichi and Scott Yoshinaga, creators of the popular nemu*nemu webcomic, showed their HSPLS library cards and received a free comic book from McCully-Moiliili librarian Linnel Yamashita at the 2012 Free Comic Book Day.