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Skokie Public Library, in partnership with Skokie's very own Aw Yeah! Comics, invites comics fans of all ages to Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 6 from 1-3 pm. This annual celebration held at comic shops, bookstores, and libraries throughout the country aims to increase readership of comic books, graphic novels, and digital comics. This is a chance for Skokie-area comics enthusiasts—and the uninitiated—to pick up free samples of new and old titles, such as Luke Pearson’s Hilda, Betty & Veronica, Attack on Titan, The Tick, Looking Glass Wars, Lady Mechanika, and more.

Free Comics

But, wait, there’s more! This year we are especially excited to offer patrons a limited supply of rare, free independent comics, zines, and chapbooks, including a non-fiction comic book about the history of film, a biography comic about the life of Agatha Christie, and a mini-comic gem called Thinger Dinger. We will also have free copies of the latest volume in the Ignatz Award-winning series, Powdered Milk, a hilariously deadpan take on motherhood written and illustrated by local comics artist, Keiler Roberts. Excerpts from Powdered Milk were chosen by Roz Chast for inclusion in the 2016 Best American Comics and her other books, Miseryland, and the soon-to-be-released Sunburning, have received increased attention. For good reason too. Roberts captures those small, countless moments of absurdity that all parents weather, but rarely remember, while raising preschoolers and she does it in ways that made me hurt with laughter. We will have free copies of the original series courtesy of our partner, Aw Yeah! Comics.

Fun & Games

Free Comic Book Day will include tabletop gaming so you can meet new friends while playing Dixit, Ticket to Ride, and other popular board games. We will also offer activities for all ages including a craftastic station where we’ll re-style everyday items with comic book flair (using Mod Podge), and write our own comics inspired by the classic comic strip, Little Nemo In Slumberland.

Manga/Anime Appreciation

Don't forget our ongoing drop-in event for grades 6-12, Manga/Anime Appreciation Club. It's held the first Thursday of every month at 7pm. At these monthly gatherings, we read free manga, watch anime on the big screen, and gorge on Japanese snacks. If you're hungry for ramen and love to eat Pocky, stop by and help us revel in epic geekery, otaku style.

We hope to see you there!