**In response to guidelines from the San Mateo County Health Department regarding COVID-19, we have decided to cancel all of our Peninsula Libraries Comic Arts Fest events in March. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will follow up in the coming weeks regarding whether or not we will be able to reschedule events.**
The Peninsula Libraries Comic Arts Fest is here! All month long this March, we’re celebrating the importance of comics, both as an art form and as valid literature, and enabling aspiring artists and readers of all ages through author visits, workshops, and comics-related programs.
We’ll be having events at all libraries throughout San Mateo County: Burlingame Library, opens a new window, Daly City Library, opens a new window, Menlo Park Library, opens a new window, Redwood City Library, opens a new window, San Bruno Library, opens a new window, San Mateo County Libraries, San Mateo Public Library, opens a new window, and South San Francisco Library, opens a new window.
Author Visits | Workshops With Illustrators | More Fun Events
Author Visits
Our list of confirmed guests is listed below. Check back for more updates on events, authors, and artists to come.
Dana Simpson
Wed., March 4, 6-7:30 PM • Daly City Library, John Daly Branch, opens a new window
Award-winning cartoonist and writer and illustrator of the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series, Dana Simpson, opens a new window, will be at the John Daly Library to talk about her books and teach aspiring young artists some of the basics of comics creation. Simpson first caught the eyes of devoted comics readers with the internet strip Ozy and Millie. She has since published eight Phoebe and Her Unicorn book collections and her work has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.
Books will be available for purchase at the event. If you'd like to pre-order books, you can do that here, opens a new window. All pre-ordered books will be available for pick-up the evening of the event so you can meet and get them signed by Dana!
James Burks
Fri., March 6, 5:30-7 PM • Half Moon Bay Library, opens a new window
Join author James Burks, opens a new window (Bird & Squirrel) as he takes you on an artistic journey from drawing as a kid, to working in animation, and finally to writing and illustrating books. You will get to see him draw some of his iconic characters as well as help him create new ones. Everyone will leave inspired wanting to create their own stories and characters.
If you'd like to purchase a book, please pre-order them here, opens a new window. All pre-ordered books will be available for pick-up the evening of the event so you can meet and get them signed by James!
Comic Artist Panel: The Road to Publication
Mon., March 9, 6:30-8 PM • Menlo Park Main Library, opens a new window, Fireside
A panel of artists, led by Nidhi Chanani (author of Pashima), talk about their paths to finding homes for their art, whether in print or online. Scheduled panelists include Ajuan Mance, opens a new window, Mai Nguyen, opens a new window, Meggie Ramm, and Josh Elder, opens a new window.
Meet Andy Runton
Fri., March 13, 4-6 PM • Millbrae Library, opens a new window
Q&A With Irene Koh
Sat., March 21, 2-3 PM • San Mateo Public Library, Main Branch, opens a new window
Come check out our can't-miss Q&A session with artist Irene Koh, opens a new window at the San Mateo Public Library as part of PLCAF! She'll be answering questions regarding her work in comics, video games, her love of manga, and much more.
Workshops With Illustrators
Make Your Comics Shorter...and Better! With Wahab Algarmi
Sun., March 1, 1:30-2:30 PM • Half Moon Bay Library, opens a new window
Make Your Own Minicomic With Debbie Huey
Mon., March 2, 4-5 PM • Portola Valley Library, opens a new window
Join author Debbie Huey (Bumperboy) as she shows you her process in drawing comics. Then we’ll create an original comic book character that no one has ever seen before and start writing a story for them in your own minicomic! For ages 7+.
Manga Mania With Karen Luk
Monday, March 2, 4-5:30 PM • San Mateo Main Library, opens a new window
Draw and compare a realistic face to a manga-style face with different expressions with artist Karen Luk, opens a new window. Chibis, cute and small character types, are taught along with standard proportions for manga-style characters.
Make a Hero With Karen Luk
Monday, March 9, 4-5:30 PM • San Mateo Main Library, opens a new window
Together, participants describe what a hero is and then create a superhero from the suggestions. Original heroes are emphasized, based on power, weakness, environment, species, and age. Character design is a key focus.
Design Your Own Superhero With Brian Kolm
Tues., March 10, 3:30-5 PM • Atherton Library, opens a new window
Superheroes are everywhere! Powerful and colorful women and men who use their talents to save the day. In this workshop, you'll learn to construct and draw unique superhero (and villain) characters, including heroic poses, props and dramatic costumes.
Comic Character Design With Meggie Ramm
Wed., March 11, 3:30-4:30 PM • Foster City Library, opens a new window
Comics-Making Workshop With Khalid Birdsong
Sat., March 14, 1-2 PM • Menlo Park Main Library, opens a new window
Cartoonist and art instructor Khalid Birdsong, opens a new window, creator of the syndicated online comic strip “Little Fried Chicken and Sushi,” will help polish students’ comics-drawing skills in this fun class. Non-registered attendees will be admitted at 1:05, space permitting.
Make Your Own Minicomic With Debbie Huey
Sat., March 14, 2-3 PM • Pacifica Sharp Park Library, opens a new window
Join author Debbie Huey Bumperboy as she shows you her process in drawing comics. Then we’ll create an original comic book character that no one has ever seen before and start writing a story for them in your own minicomic! For ages 7+.
Emanata: The Secret Code of Comics With Meggie Ramm
Mon., March 16, 5:30-7 PM • San Mateo Main Library, opens a new window
Manga Mania With Karen Luk
Thurs., March 19, 3:30-5 PM • Woodside Library, opens a new window
Draw and compare a realistic face to a manga-style face with different expressions. Chibis, cute and small character types, are taught along with standard proportions for manga-style characters.
Design Your Own Superhero With Brian Kolm
Fri., March 20, 4-5:30 PM • Belmont Library, opens a new window
Superheroes are everywhere! Powerful and colorful women and men who use their talents to save the day. In this workshop, you'll learn to construct and draw unique superhero (and villain) characters, including heroic poses, props and dramatic costumes.
Cartoon Drawing for Beginners
Sat., March 21, 2-3 PM • San Bruno Public Library, opens a new window
Learn to draw cartoon characters with San Bruno Public Library’s in-house artist! Kids of all ages welcome.
Let's Have Fun With Comics
Sun., March 22, 2-3 PM • Foster City Library, opens a new window
Do you like reading and drawing comics? Come and hang out with other comics lovers for a laid back comics drawing session. We will also provide drawing challenges to help you think of ideas. This program is for anyone nine years old and over. There is no sign-up sheet, so feel free to just drop in!
Telling a Story in Four Panels with Mai K Nguyen
Mon., March 23, 2-3 PM • Brisbane Library, opens a new window
Learn how to use the Japanese yon-koma (four-panel) comic structure to make your very own comic strip. We'll go over the simple four-beat story structure as well as some comic fundamentals like panel composition, speech bubbles, and drawing facial expressions!
Comic Character Design With Meggie Ramm
Wed., March 25, 3-4 PM • San Carlos Library, opens a new window
Telling a Story in Four Panels With Mai K Nguyen
Wed., March 25, 3-4:30 PM • Millbrae Library, opens a new window
Learn how to use the Japanese yon-koma (four-panel) comic structure to make your very own comic strip. We'll go over the simple four-beat story structure as well as some comic fundamentals like panel composition, speech bubbles, and drawing facial expressions!
Drawing Cartoons With an iPad
Thurs., March 26, 4-5 PM • East Palo Alto Library, opens a new window
Come use our iPads to learn how to draw using the Procreate app. We’ll practice linework and coloring, and hopefully, we can create an original character that no one has ever seen before! Space is limited so please call the East Palo Alto Library at (650) 321-7712 to sign up.
Telling a Story in Four Panels With Mai K Nguyen
Mon., March 30, 3:30-4:30 PM • San Carlos Library, opens a new window
Learn how to use the Japanese yon-koma (four-panel) comic structure to make your very own comic strip. We'll go over the simple four-beat story structure as well as some comic fundamentals like panel composition, speech bubbles, and drawing facial expressions!
More Fun Events
D.I.Y. Screen-printing for Teens
Tues., March 3, 4-5 PM • Redwood City Downtown Library, opens a new window
Transfer comic characters onto something wearable. Tote bags will be provided or bring your own item to customize. Teen programs are for grades 6-12.
Button Making For Kids
Tues., March 10, 4-5 PM • Redwood City Downtown Library, opens a new window
Turn old comic books into amazing new flare!
Superhero Storytime
Thurs., March 19, 11:15-12:15 PM • San Bruno Public Library, opens a new window
Join us, opens a new window for a superhero-themed storytime, celebrating the superheroes of San Bruno – Police, Fire, and Public Works Department. There will be an opportunity to check out a police car, fire truck, and public works streets maintenance vehicles!
Comic Book Magnets for Kids
Tues., March 24, 4-5 PM • Redwood City Downtown Library, opens a new window
Use your favorite comic book heroes to protect notes on your refrigerator!
Full Pages, Empty Glasses
Thurs., March 26, 7-8 PM • 47 Hills Brewing Company, opens a new window
47 Hills Brewing Company is joining in on the fun of Comic Arts Fest! For this special meeting, we'll be reading Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud.
"Praised throughout the cartoon industry by such luminaries as Art Spiegelman, Matt Groening, and Will Eisner, Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics is a seminal examination of comics art: its rich history, surprising technical components, and major cultural significance. Explore the secret world between the panels, through the lines, and within the hidden symbols of a powerful but misunderstood art form."
Film Screening: She Makes Comics
Mon., March 30, 6:30-8 PM • Menlo Park Main Library, opens a new window, downstairs program room
Women have been writing, drawing, and reading comics since the medium’s beginnings in the late 19th century. And today, there are scores of women involved in comics and its vibrant fan culture. This documentary presents interviews with some of the most influential women in comics. Rated PG-13.
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