As a growing number of libraries and schools explore the value of providing graphic novels for their patrons and students, savvy comic shop retailers have stepped up to provide expertise, advice and assistance with collection development. Free Comic Book Day, held the first Saturday in May every year, presents an ideal opportunity to visit your local comic book store. For those librarians, teachers and retailers who are already working together, it also creates great cross-promotional opportunities.

All Things Fun!, a comic book shop in West Berlin, New Jersey, has plans to work with three local libraries for this year’s Free Comic Book Day. Owner Ed Evans explained that “All Things Fun! handles all of the administrative issues involved in getting the comics and characters to the libraries for the big day,” and their efforts have proved highly rewarding: “In addition to providing free comics to the libraries we also help them plan and promote the events and try to tie them into already scheduled events or programs. For instance we managed to tie FCBD into one of the partner libraries’ ‘Tween Book Club.’ It’s really helped us move Graphic Novels and comics into the mainstream reading arena.”

Barbara Copoferri of the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library also spoke enthusiastically of the partnership: “We love making Ed and All Things Fun! part of our library family. Their generosity in materials and resources is greatly appreciated. In a time when we work to stretch every dollar All Things Fun! has stepped up and created engaging literacy-based events that entertain and educate our patrons!”

For last year’s Free Comic Book Day, Evans added to the festivities by bringing Star Wars Stormtroopers from the local 501^st Legion to the libraries to help run events. “We ran a trivia contest and had the characters help us distribute comics.  It’s really helped to draw attention to the event, literacy and ultimately the store benefits from all of our efforts.” All Things Fun! will be recruiting the assistance of Stormtroopers again this year, who will aid in the all-day programs planned for neighboring libraries as well as a sale and celebration planned for the store. Free Comic Book Day presents great opportunities for community partnerships, and it also presents great opportunities for fun.

For those interested in forming partnerships, a list of comic shops eager to work with schools and libraries is available here. The Comic Shop Locator Service will also help you find stores in your area.

Free Comic Book Day will take place on May 2^nd 2009 at participating stores. Please refer to http://www.freecomicbookday.com for more information, as well as a complete list of titles.

Photos provided by Ed Evans