First of two parts
To celebrate comics and graphic novels, the Aurora Public Library (APL) will introduce CAPE Con (City of Aurora Pop Culture and Entertainment Convention), a virtual all-ages event dedicated entirely to comics, fandoms, and graphic novels! Comics and graphic novels are valid and valuable mediums through which all ages can enjoy reading. CAPE Con (www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/capecon) reinforces this intergenerational trend. Starting Monday, Aug. 10 with swag bag giveaways, and ending Saturday, Aug. 15 with a capstone panel discussion, Not Lost in Translation: How Comics Create Cultural Connections, CAPE Con has something for everyone!
Just because we have moved from an in-person event to virtual does not mean you have to miss out on the free stuff! Swag bag registration will open Monday, July 27 for pick-up Monday, Aug. 10 at the time slot and location of your choice. Each bag includes a ponpon popper craft kit, and free comic book! These hot items are in high demand and we have limited quantities, so make sure to register at light speed Monday, July 27!
Tuesday, Aug. 11, our teen librarian, Phoebe, will take the stage at 2 p.m. with How to Make Your Own Ponpon Popper craft tutorial and at 6 p.m. with Superhero Trivia! For the best trivia experience, download the Kahoot app on your phone and log in to the event with your laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Don’t forget to register to receive your exclusive Zoom link!
Do you love cosplay and want to know more about how to create your own, signature looks? Tune in with Tess at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 for Head to Toe Cosplay Sewing Seminar! She will show you tips and tricks on sewing your own designs from head to toe. With more than seven years of experience in designing and creating her own cosplay, Tess will cover a ton of information, including how to pattern and make a basic pleated skirt, choosing the best fabrics, and how to add closures to your garments and magnets to your wigs! Register now for your exclusive Zoom link or tune in to Facebook Live. This session will be recorded and available shortly after the program for viewing on our YouTube page.
Thursday, Aug. 13 in the evening, author and illustrator, Jarrett Lerner, will share his expertise when he shows us how to draw comics and cartoons. Current and future artists of all ages will enjoy this interactive, virtual session. To be part of the action, register now for your exclusive Zoom link. Or, stop by our Facebook page to tune in live! Unable to make the event? Have no fear, this session will be recorded for viewing from our YouTube channel.
Jarrett Lerner is the author of EngiNerds and its sequel, Revenge of the EngiNerds, as well as the author-illustrator of the forthcoming activity book, Give This Book a Title: More than 100 Activities to Kickstart Your Creativity. He co-founded and helps run the MG Book Village, an online hub for all things Middle Grade, and is the co-organizer of the #KidsNeedBooks and #KidsNeedMentors projects.
The next day, Friday, Aug. 13, will welcome the only in-person event of the convention, when we will gather for a Family Cosplay Parade at Santori Library in the Parker Garden! Register for your spot in the parade, and join us at 3 p.m. for line up and a short march around the building. Everyone should come dressed in the best cosplay to show off! There are 20 spots in the parade, and each marcher is allowed one parent or guardian to share space. It will be a safe, socially-distanced, parade route with six feet between each participant and no street crossings. Just come to show off your cosplay! The parade will be recorded and photographed to share on social media for those who cannot attend. If you are unable to attend, but wish to share your best cosplay, please send your family-friendly images to kdanis@aurorapubliclibrary.org to be included in our virtual photo parade!
Finally, Saturday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. will be our capstone event, Not Lost in Translation: How Comics Create Cultural Connections. This event will feature artists and comic-creators of color whose work reflects and is informed by their culture, or race, and who can speak to the ways in which comics function as both windows and mirrors for identity and experience.
Continued at thevoice.us/comic-graphic-novels-on-display-virtually-aug-10-15