Drawn to the Library: Programs for National Library Week 2025

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Celebrate National Library Week (April 6 - 12, 2025) with these comic-related program ideas from ALA's Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT).

Award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic theorist Scott McCloud are the Honorary Chairs of National Library Week 2025.

 

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Make a National Library Week Zine

Inspired by the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table's Community Zine Project, have patrons create an original zine or mini-comic sharing their own library story and why they love their local library. 

 

 

 

 

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Comics Drawing Battle

A collaborative of local artists put on an interactive show that’s part Pictionary, part pro-wrestling. Artists face off with markers on a large drawing surface. They are given prompts, usually ascribed with pop culture references on what to draw in a set amount of time. They must not only draw the prompt but also try to find ways for their drawings to interact with the other artist’s drawings. Audiences are encouraged to provide prompts in advance of the show, and a referee uses a cheer-meter to determine whose drawing has won each battle. ​

 

 

 

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Dramatic Comics Reading

This program is originally based on an idea by the cartoonist R Sikoryak, who hosts ”Comics Carousels” at comic conventions he attends. The idea is to work with comic creators to present a portion ​of their work to a live audience - sound effects, character voices and other creative mayhem is encouraged!

 

 

 

 

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24-Hour Comics Day

Participants spend 24 hours at the library crafting a 24-page comic book. Younger kids in a school setting can also participate in a six-hour version.

 

 

 

 

 

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Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day is traditionally on the first Saturday of May, but why not celebrate a few weeks early during National Library Week? Utilize the opportunity to do a reading survey or have patrons vote on imaginary 'who would win' scenarios to get the comic. Partner with a local comic book shop to order the comics needed for the program all while promoting your library's comic and graphic novel collection.

 

 

 

 

Webinar: Leaping off the page: a panel discussion about comics programming for your library