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Library Hosts 1st Ever Comic Con with Many Special Guests

Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6100
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info


Berkeley Public Library Hosts 1st Ever Comic Con with Many Special Guests

Come to the Central Library on Saturday, October 28, 2023


Berkeley, California (October 22, 2023) – Come enjoy Berkeley Public Library’s first comic convention, a full day of events throughout the entire library for comic lovers, art enthusiasts, graphic novel aficionados, cosplayers, and more. Comic Con will be an exciting day for all ages!
 
Honored guests for the day include Mike Mignola, creator of the Hellboy Universe, and Gene Luen Yang, renowned author and graphic novelist.

Other panelists, speakers, and workshop hosts include Rina Ayuyang (Man in the McIntosh Suit), Jon Chad (Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements), Trinidad Escobar (Crushed), Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera), Thien Pham (Family Style), Minnie Phan (The Yellow Ao Dai), Jason Shiga (Adventuregame Comics), and others.

Authors will be available for signings following their sessions, with books for sale from Pegasus Books and Eastwind Books.

The vendor halls will feature 25+ local artists and creatives, with their own books, zines, art prints, stickers, and more for sale.

The A Kodansha exhibit from Cartoon Art Museum is on view on the 5th floor through mid-November, and Museum Curator Andrew Farago will even present on local comics history.

The Library has partnered with indie orgs such as Laneha House, A.B.O. Comix, and EBABZ (East Bay Alternative Book & Zine Fest), and a panel with comic shops Comix Experience and Eisner-winner Cape & Cowl.

“We’ve been amazed at the outpouring of support and interest around our first Comic Con, and hope it offers a little of something for everyone.” exclaims Elaine Tai, Supervising Librarian for Children’s Services at Berkeley Public Library. “Come in costume, discover new artists, and learn about and from legends in the field!”

Thank you to Briana Loewinsohn for creating our Comic Con poster image, which features the Central Library façade and hints to our guests throughout.

Find more details and stay up to date on schedule and guests via the website and social media.

Events are wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accessibility services, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY). Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs. Masks are encouraged.

For questions regarding Berkeley Public Library Comic Con, please call Elaine Tai at (510) 981-6231.

For questions about additional Library events, services, hours and locations, please call (510) 981-6100 or visit the Library’s website www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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October Library Happenings

October Event Highlights

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia Part 1 of 3

Claremont
Monday, Oct 2
12pm

Need Housing? Drop-in Resources Help

Central

Tuesday, Oct 3

10am 

Galaxy Slime Make & Play for Kids 

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Friday, Oct 6
3:30pm



Benvenue Beats: Ritmos Latinos

Street Party in front of Claremont!
Saturday, Oct 7
2pm


Come celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with music and community. We'll be closing down the street for this open-air event featuring some of the Bay Area's finest performers including Mariela Herrera, La Familia Peña-Govea, and the Afro-Peruvian dance company Cunamacué - plus, free gelato! All ages are welcome.


Drop-in Medical Care

Central
Tuesday, Oct 10
10am-3pm

Eclipse Viewer Craft for All Ages

West

Thursday, Oct 12

5:30pm


No Straight Lines Film Screening with Peabody Award-Winning Director Vivian Kleinman

Central
Saturday, Oct 14
2pm
This screening and Director Q&A is a kick off for our first ever Berkeley Public Library Comic Con!


 

Aguacero: Learn Bomba Songs & Dance for Kids

Central
Saturday, Oct 14
3pm

Buki the Clown's Bilingual Comedy Magic Show

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Saturday, Oct 14
4pm

Teens: Make Giant Pocky

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Tuesday, Oct 24
4pm

Dungeons & Dragons Club

West
Tuesday, Oct 24
4pm


How to Read a Painting with Art Historian Mallory Mortillaro

Central + Virtual Option
Tuesday, Oct 24
5:30pm


Bike Camping in the East Bay

North
Wednesday, Oct 25
6:30pm

Chocolate Tasting!

West
Thursday, Oct 26
6pm

 

In the Stax Music Series
Final Concert: Kulintang Dialect

North
Thursday, Oct 26
7pm

 


Comic Con at the Library!

Central
Tuesday, Oct 28
10am-5:30pm

Get ready for the first every BPL Comic Con, a free, all-ages, one-day event focused on all things comics, art, and animation. From strips to graphic novels, fanart and cosplay, to professional creators, we've got something for every fan.

Renowned authors/artists and other special guests will be at Central for panels, workshops, booksales, artist alley of vendors, and more!


Halloween Fun

Halloween Crafternoons

Claremont
Tuesdays
3pm

Make your own Halloween Spellbooks!

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Friday, Oct 27
3:30pm

Story Time & Costume Parade

Tarea Hall Pittman South
Monday, Oct 30
4pm

Halloween Movie for Teens

North
Tuesday, Oct 31
3:30pm


 


Trick-or-Treat at the Library

All Libraries
Tuesday, Oct 31
3:30-7:30pm

Children and their families/caregivers are invited to stop by any of our libraries for Halloween treats (no candy) on Tuesday, October 31 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. While supplies last. We can't wait to see all your costumes!


Join a cohort of young poets and help nurture a writing environment at the library and in school this Fall. One person will be named Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate for 2024!

Deadline to apply is October 3rd.

 

Apply Now



 

Programming is made possible by the support of the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. Thank you, Friends!

Browse Library Events


Library Updates

 

  • Get your eclipse glasses at the Library! All branches have them on hand in preparation for the October 14 annular eclipse. Staff tip: Keep these for the April 2024 eclipse.
  • New online resource: FREE Creativebug art & craft video classes with top designers! Classes for all levels include knitting, crochet, art, design, sewing, quilting, jewelry-making and more! Log into Creativebug for free with your library card.
  • All locations will be closed on Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous People's Day.