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Libcomix Online is our on-going virtual programming project. We host webinars, panel discussions, and more. We'll be sharing updates here for upcoming sessions and posting recordings and resources after.

2024 - 25 Libcomix Online Webinars

- Monday, September 16 at 2pm CT

Crowdfunded comics present challenges for selectors because the act of purchasing them is speculative—supporters are funding an idea that has not yet come to fruition—and the titles themselves aren't represented in the tools librarians often use to curate collections such as “best of ” lists, book reviews, or mainstream vendor catalogs. This webinar will discuss why libraries should consider purchasing crowdfunded comics, the barriers libraries face when purchasing crowdfunded and self-published works, and possible solutions that libraries have used to overcome these barriers. Presented by Mara Thacker (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) & Matthew Murray (University of Colorado, Boulder)

2022 - 23 Libcomix Online Webinars

- Tuesday, August 1 at 4pm CT

This presentation will demonstrate how graphic novels can be used as critical texts for students in collaborative work between teachers and librarians. While graphic novels have been seen as mainly superhero books for young readers, the purpose of this presentation will be to briefly explore how comics and graphic novels offer so much more.

- Wednesday, May 17 at 4pm CT

After fighting a challenge, whatever the outcome, there are steps it's helpful to take. Our panelists will talk about the impact of challenges they've faced, lessons learned and how that learning affects how they move forward. Remember, you are not alone. Our panel will help you to Be Prepared, Fight Comics Censorship, and Live to Library Another Day!

- Wednesday, March 15 at 4pm CT

Getting a challenge can be upsetting and isolating. Our panel of librarians, creators and advocates will discuss how they dealt with challenges to comics and graphic novels, and offer strategies for deciding how to handle them. They will discuss steps you can take as soon as you get a challenge and will provide tactics for responding to challenges, preparing defense, and gathering support.

- Wednesday, January 18 at 4pm CT
Our panelists will discuss how to prepare for challenges - the importance of being proactive, creating strong policies, gathering advocates, etc. Attendees will leave with actionable information on how to build an arsenal of tools to deflect or defend against challenges.

- Thursday, December 8 at 8pm CT / 6pm PT
An interesting addition to attending to the cultural identity of students, is the idea of also attending to cultural practices in reading. Not only is the content of reading material important, but so are the children’s interactional practices surrounding reading through talk learned in their communities and home. Using visual narratives to support cultural practices in reading can be an important way to affirm the contribution of families to children’s literacy. Designing interactive prompts for engaging families with graphic novels was a key component of pandemic learning in the home fostered by Altera, an after-school non-profit. This short session will present the premise, as well as examples of a variety of conversational tools used for family reading of wordless picture books, comics and graphic novels.

Be sure to check out the Libcomix Online program archive for past sessions.