Contact: Jack Baur
Teen Services Librarian
510-326-0927
jbaur@ci.berkeley.ca.us
As summer begins, the Berkeley Public Library is pleased to announce additions to the line-up of the Berkeley Comic Arts Festival. Since May 2013, the Berkeley Comic Arts Festival has been bringing comic and graphic novel creators to the Berkeley Public Library to celebrate comic books and graphic novels, and their creators. The aim of these events is to explore the breadth of stories told through the comics form, and to promote comics and graphic novels as diverse, high-quality reading material for readers of all ages. The events that the library will be hosting will include author visits, workshops, and educational events. All of these events are free and open to all-ages, and will be held at the Central Library unless otherwise noted. Darick Robertson June 20th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At the South Branch, 1901 Russell St at MLK Way Best known for his gritty art on satirical masterpieces Transmetropolitan and The Boys, as well as celebrated runs on Wolverine and Nightcrawler, the ever-entertaining artist Darick Robertson joins us at the South Branch for a look at the darker corners of the comic book world. Knowing Robertson’s work, the conversation may get salty, so parental guidance is suggested! A signing will follow at Fantastic Comics in Downtown Berkeley. Library Wall Art Jam! June 21st, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. At the South Branch, 1901 Russell St at MLK Way Come watch local comic superstars draw all over our walls! Event will be held in the South Branch Teen Room. Featuring: Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese), Jason Shiga (Meanwhile, Empire State), Lark Pien (Long Tail Kitty) and Thien Pham (Level Up, Sumo). Ed Brubaker July 1st, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. After creating award-winning stories for characters like Batman, Daredevil, and Catwoman, Ed Brubaker has returned to his noir roots with the genre-busting horror mash-up Fatale! The Berkeley Public Library is thrilled to welcome Brubaker for a conversation about his illustrious career, independent publishing, and what it's like to be known as the man who killed Captain America! Handmade Comics Workshop with Ed Luce July 24th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 31st, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. August 7th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Have you started a comic, or do you have an idea for one, but are not sure how to put it together and get it into the hands of eager readers? Ed Luce, creator of the comic Wuvable Oaf and professor at California College of the Arts, talks equipment, materials and methods in this informative series of workshops on creating handmade comics and zines. Learn how to format, print, market your own handmade books! Khalil Bendib Wednesday August 7th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. At the North Branch, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins With searing wit and a subversive outlook, Khalil Bendib works hard for his title "America's Most Dangerous Cartoonist!" Bendib's political cartoons are published in more than 2000 papers, including the New York Times and the LA Times. Zahra's Paradise, created with co-author Amir Soltani, is his first graphic novel, a moving account of Iran's Green Movement of 2009. At this special event, Bendib will be sharing his insights on the state of the Middle East alongside his biting comics. Political junkies will not want to miss this! Matt Kindt August 10th, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mind control, superspies, government conspiracies, psychic powers… welcome to the world of Matt Kindt! With his pulpy style and the twisty puzzles in his work, Kindt is making waves with creator-owned books like MIND MGMT and Superspy, and on hit titles like Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE and Wolverine and the X-Men! Get a firsthand tour through some of comics most unique and intriguing worlds at this can’t miss author event! A signing will follow at Fantastic Comics in Downtown Berkeley. Jennifer Holm August 18th, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. At the Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue at Ashby Kids of all ages love Babymouse, the adorable and irrepressible star of the hit comics series. Writer Jenni Holm will visit the Claremont Branch to talk about what it’s like to make comics with her brother, the wild success of Babymouse, what’s coming next for her beloved characters, and cupcakes! She’ll also be talking to parents about the importance of reading and the role that comics can play in children’s literacy development. This will be a fun event for the whole family. This project is supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Additional support provided by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org). For more information, call 510-981-6287 or connectwww.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Berkeley’s Central Library is open Monday 12 noon until 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. till 5 p.m. For more info please call 510-981-6100 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. Wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY); at least three working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.
# # # # #