Free Comic Book Day is the first Saturday in May. This year marked the 15th anniversary of this event, and the Southeast Steuben County Library got on board. We ordered 500 issues of a variety of titles for our patrons to have, hold, and take home.
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Captain America, Assassin's Creed, and Lady Mechanika were rated Teen +
Doctor Who and Howard Lovecraft were rated for All Ages |
The Corning region was busy with sporting events, neighborhood rummage sales, Caton Community Days, Caton auctions, and the infamous Friends of the Library book sale. Our building was nearly empty of patrons until mid afternoon, but the hours of 1-3 p.m. filled our hall of books with laughter, joy and wonder over the free comics and make-your-own-buttons.
For anyone who wanted to circuit the establishments offering free comics, our buddy Jared, head Hero Bot at Heroes Your Mom Threw Out created a list, which was printed in our local newspaper. Jared even made an appearance on the local news and gave our library a shout out! Thanks Jared!!!
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| SSC Library was a point in the Corning, Painted Post, Elmira Heights Free Comic Book Day triangle. |
Current copies of Free Comic Book Day issues were available to any patron. At least one free comic was offered, but as the day progressed, we offered any and all to whomever was interested. For those who follow our Facebook events, there was a Cinco de Mayo ad to mention in order to receive all 5 copies for the low, low price of FREEEE!
At last, we rolled out last year's leftover comics from our legendary Library UnMasked event. (Psssst....save the date....Library UnMasked is set for July 15, 2016, 6-8 pm!!!) It was finally BUTTON MAKING TIME!
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| Leftover salmon is gross, but Leftover Comics are best read while standing |
An instant crowd formed once the table was covered with color and comics. Anyone interested was allowed to choose an image of their fancy and have it permanently preserved in a Badge A Minit press.
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| Choose, Cut, Press, Preserve |
This "machine" is not for the weak. You MUST eat your Wheaties in order to have the strength to produce as many buttons as we did in just 2 hours. Kids were fascinated by the simple machine and the process to make a pin button. This activity is a little time consuming and easiest if one person controls the cutting, while another does the pressing. No one seemed to care about the length of the process, just that they got to wear their favorite super hero or villain on their collar.
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| Only 2 buttons per patron?!?---"Wanna bet?" |
While I prepared for big crowds by limiting quantities of books and buttons, our attendees has other ideas. The enthusiasm to create these cool wearables and brag about them throughout the weekend was too tempting to stop at just two. Luckily, we had enough supply to feed the masses.
Through the chaos, our STLS buddy, Filomena Jack of Pink Velvet Bird, dropped off her lovely art work to display in the library this summer. Better get in the building before September!
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| photo of Filomena Jack by Janie Ferguson |
This first time effort was a major success for a Saturday in the library. Over 120 comics went to various homes and more than 50 buttons will be worn with pride for years to come. Two little wonder women even received free goodies from a sweet Pink Velvet Bird.
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| Wonder Woman pouches by Pink Velvet Bird |
Thanks for all who participated in this epic Free Comic Book Day. Jared had our backs to make this day happen and we are very grateful to provide such fun to our community.
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| Jared, Our Helpful Hero |
As I mentioned, the legendary Library UnMasked is set for Friday, July 15, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. SAVE THE DATE!!! Start making your cosplay gear and prepare for an evening of fun and games. Let's ROCK THE LIBRARY for a second year!
Thanks for visiting.
Please comment if you attended Free Comic Book Day.
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