# May the Fourth Be With You!
Wear your best cape and cowl (or that really cool bow tie and fez) and join us for a fandom-filled celebration of reading for all ages! Our annual Beaches Library Comic Fest returns Saturday, May 4, from 1 – 4 p.m. This FAN-tastic event is sponsored by Friends of the Beaches Branch Library and features some of your favorite local cosplayers, gamers, and comic creators from the Beaches community and beyond.
There's something for everyone - and every age - in this free, pop culture and fandom library event. Whether you're into anime and manga, Marvel comics or the MCU, the Potterverse books and movies, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Doctor Who, or all of it: You are sure to feel right at home and find community with fellow readers, geeks and gamers!
Want to make sure your fandom is represented? Come dressed in your cosplay best or wear that graphic tee you're most proud to own! And don't forget to visit our local authors, artists, and crafters.
# Free Comics and Manga
At the Library, Every Day Is Free Comic Book Day!
In addition to our massive graphic novel and manga collection at the Library, you have instant and free access to hundreds more titles right on your phone or favorite device! Just visit hoopladigital.com or download the app, and have your library card handy.
Don't have a library card yet? Stop by any of our 21 library locations or sign up online!
Explore a diverse universe of comics and graphic novels for new comics readers, die-hard comics fans, and everyone in between! Want a panel-by-panel guided reading experience? Check out ActionView, hoopla's comic-friendly reading technology. When using the app, double-tap a panel, then swipe and watch stories come alive! ActionView is available both on hoopladigital.com and across mobile devices. Find comics on hoopla!
With titles ranging from action-packed adventures to heartwarming slice-of-life stories and everything in between, manga offers something for everyone. Plus, hoopla's constantly growing collection means you can always find something fresh and exciting to read. Catch up with popular and award-winning series from Tokyopop and Disney or re-discover classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion! Explore the Manga collection on hoopla!
Find more comics & graphic novels in our Library catalog!
# Schedule of Events
Atrium:
- 1-4 p.m. — DJ Mario Lambert will be playing your favorite fandom music. Submit a song request online!
- 1-4 p.m. — Get Your Cosplay Photos with Nancy Flynn and the Beaches Photography Club
- 1:30 - 2 p.m. — Cheer on the Fletcher High School Band
- 2:30 -3 p.m. —Costume Contest Lineup
Community Room:
- 1-3 p.m. — Risograph Printing Demo and Zine-Making Activity with Andrew Kozlowski
- 3 p.m. — Costume Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes
Community Room (continued):
- 1-3 p.m. — Rubik's Cube Race it's you vs. the stopwatch. How fast can you solve it?
- 1-3 p.m. — Rock Painting with Terry Dostalik of Atlantic Beach Rocks
- 1-3 p.m. — LEGO Building — construct your own heroes, robots, secret liars, superhero HQ, and more!
Children's Room:
- 1-4 p.m. — Face Painting with Crystal Rodriguez
- 1-4 p.m. — Superhero Mask-Making Craft
- 1-4 p.m. — Scavenger Hunt for FREE Comics
Little Readers Storytime
Our annual "Superhero Storytime" has been moved to Wednesday, May 1. Join us from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. or for the encore from 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Note: Registration is not required for this program but attendance is limited (first-come first-served). Please arrive early.
Featured Books: There’s a Superhero in Your Book by Tom Fletcher and Bedtime for Superheroes by Katherine Locke
# More Comic Fest Activities
This year, our friends, the Ghostbusters of Middleburg, have a brand new and exciting activity planned. You'll have to attend to find out what!
Ever wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons? The Nerd Club from Atlantic Coast High School will be onsite teaching folks how to play! The Nerd Club is led by teacher Joseph Rawlins and supports 200+ students who are interested in D&D, anime, comics, cosplay, and more!
Are you a fan of stories set in a galaxy far, far away? Duel with pool noodle light sabers and take photos with The Last Council Saber Academy!
# Special Guests
- Terry Dostalik - rock painting (Atlantic Beach Rocks)
- Bryan Collins - Painter
- Duval Comic and Zine Fest
- Gabrielle Ledee - costume contest judge
- Candy Keane - cosplayer and blogger at Geek Mamas
- UNF Professor Andrew Kozlowski with a Risograph Printer for zine-making
- Patrick Kyne - Beach Bumz Robotics Club (Fletcher Middle School)
- Joseph Rawlings - Dungeons & Dragons with the Nerd Club (Atlantic Coast High School)
- Members of the 501st Stormtroopers
- Michael Regina - author/illustrator
- Nerdie Crafts (Candice Black)
- Popmaniacs - Funko pop, Loungefly, etc.
- Randy Salinas - directing the Fletcher High School Band
- Small Obsession (Kelly Shipman)
- That Nerdy Mom (Kat Margaritas) - art prints, stickers and pins
- Tiger Shredds - hand-crafted items, yarn plushies, and knitted beanies inspired by nerd culture.
- Wendy Warner - Friends of the Beaches Branch Library presents Dr. Seuss
- Mike Whitmer - author
- Josh Ulrich - author/illustrator
- Fandom artists, vendors, demos, and more!
Get updates about Beaches Library Comic Fest and similar events!
