Charlotte, NC – May 29, 2008 – What’s the best way to get a kid to read? Encourage him or her to read what they love – comics! That’s why the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) is hosting a trio of well-known comic artists at the upcoming “Kids Love Comics! Workshop for Aspiring Artists & Young Fans” on Thursday, June 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at ImaginOn in uptown Charlotte.

Research shows that, outside of school, the number one favorite activity of children is still reading comic books. PLCMC recognizes the exciting potential of comics and graphic novels for inspiring young people to read. Librarian Bill Corder points out, “Comic books and graphic novels are so loved by kids, tweens and teens they fly off the library shelves. This medium is one that they actively look for and never have to be convinced to read.”

The “Kids Love Comics!” workshop is geared for 7 to 13-year-olds and will include three 30-minute sessions with well-known comic artists John Gallagher (artist/writer, “Buzzboy” and “NASCAR Heroes”), Josh Elder (creator/writer, “Mail Order Ninja” and “Batman Strikes!”) and Rich Faber (inker of “Superman”, “Green Lantern”, “Buzzboy” and co-creator/artist of “Roboy Red”).

The Kids Love Comics! Workshop includes a meet and greet, Q&A session, and every kid will leave with a free comic (or two). The “Kids Love Comics Comic Book Diner” will be provided to attendees, as well as an issue of NASCAR Heroes, the new NASCAR-themed Super Hero Comic Book. For more information about this free event, call the Spangler Children’s Library at ImaginOn at 704-973-2720.

The artists on the panel all belong to Kids Love Comics, a non-profit organization made up of comic creators, publishers, fans, educators and journalists. Kids Love Comics hopes to share the value and potential of age-appropriate comics with a larger audience and is dedicated to the development and growth of children's comic books in North America.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS

MAKING COMICS THE NINJA WAY with Josh Elder
Learn the fundamentals of writing and illustrating comics, manga and graphic novels with award-winning graphic novelist and nationally syndicated cartoonist Josh Elder (Mail Order Ninja, Batman Strikes!). Then you can amaze your friends, impress your parents and certify your awesomeness with your mad ninja comic-creating skillz!

CREATING YOUR OWN SUPER HERO AND OTHER FUN CHARACTERS with John Gallagher
John Gallagher explains how you can pull from your own interests to create heroes, villains, and other characters, using your own life story as a template. Themes covered include powers, costumes, character names, and story conflicts. (For example, what would Superman be without Kryptonite around?)

MAKE YOUR OWN COMIC BOOK! with Rich Faber, Josh Elder, John Gallagher and special guest artists
In 30 minutes, you can lay out the first page of your own comic! Josh, Rich and John will work with kids to pencil, ink, letter and design the first page of a real comic book, showing off their own actual scripts and comic art!

Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC was named winner of the 2006 National Award for Library Service. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs, from computer and Internet workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration of the joys of reading and learning. With 24 locations, 1.6 million volumes and 28,000 videos, DVDs and CDs, PLCMC is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community.