Stapleton Library In Staten Island NY Celebrated Free Comic Book Day

On Saturday May 3rd, libraries and comic book specialty shops celebrated Free Comic Book Day. Check out how Stapleton Public Library participated in Free Comic Book Day!

Libarian Steven Herman talks about how his library prepared for FCBD and how they made it a successful event.

"The event was a huge success! Over 100 people attended the event, and the comics provided by Diamond were the hottest items! We also had a good amount of additional back issues provided by our local shop, Comic Book Jones, and one of our library customers donated a large number of comics, which ensured that everyone went home with some comics! Everyone who attended got a free comic, but library users were awarded additional free comics by performing actions such as checking out books, writing library advocacy letters to the mayor, joining our mailing list and liking us on social media. A lot of our library users were more than happy to do these items and came home with a lot of comics!"

FCBD: How did your FCBD go?
Steven:"The event was a huge success! Over 100 people attended the event, and the comics provided by Diamond were the hottest items! We also had a good amount of additional back issues provided by our local shop, Comic Book Jones, and one of our library customers donated a large number of comics, which ensured that everyone went home with some comics!

FCBD: How  did your prepare for the event? Advertising? Flyers? Word of Mouth?
Steven: "We prepared for the event by distributing flyers, posting the event on Facebook, Twitter, and NYPL's online calendar. We also featured the event on the big whiteboard behind our main desk."

FCBD: What special events took place during your FCBD event?
Steven: "During our free comic book day, we took the time to get the public interested in being advocates of the library by getting them to write letters to Mayor DeBlasio to support libraries!"

FCBD:What would you do differently if you participate again next year?
Steven: "Our event went very smoothly, and we would not change much in terms of how we distributed comics. Everyone who attended got a free comic, but library users were awarded additional free comics by performing actions such as checking out books, writing library advocacy letters to the mayor, joining our mailing list and liking us on social media. A lot of our library users were more than happy to do these items and came home with a lot of comics! We could probably make the event even more special next year by talking to our public programming office to see if they can offer a comic artist's drawing program."

FCBD: How successful was your FCBD?
Steven: "Our event was super successful! We had people of all ages coming into our event all day long!"

"Comic books are a great way to engage those who like to read as well as reluctant readers. By making the connection between comic books and libraries, we can encourage literacy, and get people of all ages hooked on reading!"

You can see more photos from Stapleton's FCBD here.

If your library would like to participate in Free Comic Book Day, email educators@freecomicbookday.com