Posted in: Comics | Tagged: ala, dc, dc comics, libraries

DC Comics to Library Patrons: "Read a Book"

Published Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:00:37 -0600

Last updated Sat, 19 Jan 2019 16:51:55 -0600

DC Comics has announced a new initiative for the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference with what might at first seem like an odd choice of taglines, telling people at a very book-centric gathering to "read a book." However, DC's "Be a Hero, Read a Book" campaign is actually meant to promote DC's graphic novels in libraries and schools. Plus, you'd be surprised how many people just go their local public library just to masturbate. Not that we do that. But it happens. Seriously, ask a librarian. We're just saying, maybe the message is more on target than you might at first think.

Anyway, here's a press release explaining the new initiative:

Ahead of the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference next week, DC revealed plans today for a new campaign – "Be a Hero, Read a Book" –that will promote graphic novels across libraries and schools nationwide by providing librarians with DC Super Hero-themed materials, resources and activities. The campaign will bring awareness to DC titles, particularly upcoming DC Zoom and DC Ink books, and generally encourage kids to read graphic novels.

As part of the program, DC will debut new, custom artwork every month that will be featured on various promotional materials such as posters, bookmarks, and stickers, among other items, that librarians can display in their libraries and/or pass out to students and patrons. Each art piece will depict an iconic DC character reading a DC Zoom (middle grade) or DC Ink (YA) graphic novel. The first piece of promotional art debuting in January 2019 is by acclaimed artist Francis Manapul and features Batman reading Ridley Pearson and Ile Gonzalez's upcoming DC Zoom graphic novel, Super Sons: The PolarShield Project, which hits shelves April 2, 2019.

In addition to promotional items, "Be a Hero, Read a Book" will also offer librarians excerpts from upcoming DC Zoom and DC Ink graphic novels.

The ongoing campaign will kick off at this year's ALA Midwinter in Seattle, WA from January 25-28, 2019. Attendees visiting the DC booth (#720) will receive free promotional tote bags and bookmarks, among other items – all featuring Manapul's January artwork.

"Be a Hero, Read a Book" will also be a key component of DC's participation in Booklist'sfirst annual "Graphic Novels in Libraries Month" slated for July 2019 which was announced earlier today. The month-long program organized by Booklist encourages librarians to host events and promote reading graphic novels at their libraries in July. Participating libraries have the opportunity to receive DC graphic novels and comics, and "Be a Hero, Read a Book" promotional materials to use at their events.

More information about "Be a Hero, Read a Book" and how libraries can request a DC event kit for July's "Graphic Novels in Libraries Month" can be found on the DC Resources for Educators and Librarians page on the DC website.