ComicCon Virtual Fest For Ballinasloe Library

ComicCon Virtual Fest For Library
 
Everyone in the library, was disappointed to cancel their inaugural ComicCon which was due to happen in April. Artists, illustrators, animators, a seller's alley, a retro games area, a Cosplay competition, games trucks and food trucks were all good to go for what was hoped would be the best ComicCon in the West. The great news is that they’re undefeated and it will now happen in 2021 and are super-excited to announce to be hosting a virtual event ‘ComicCon@Home’ on November 14 to introduce artists and to give you an idea of what’s coming up.

Featured guests are:

• Barry Fitzgerald – superhero scientist, speaker and author of ‘How to build an Iron Man Suit’. Barry has spoken across Europe about science and superheroes and he has seen The Avengers nearly 80 times but keeps his superpower a closely guarded secret.
• Wayne O’Connor - storyteller and animator. Wayne is inspired by fantasy, sci fi and Mythology and loves teaching workshops in art and hosting storytelling sessions.
• Alan Nolan – illustrator and author of the Sam Hannigan books. Alan is one of Ireland’s most loved children’s author/illustrator and he is no stranger to Ballinalsoe having co-written a short comic with kids from Creagh NS in 2018.

They’re holding a ‘Design your own Superhero’ competition. They want you to design, draw, paint your Superhero, tell them what their Superpower is and email them your entries. Application forms will be delivered to local schools in mid-October or forms can be emailed directly to you.

Closing dates for competition entries is  November 7. The Winner will be announced on the library's social media pages on ComicCon@Home day on November 14.

This event is free, all you need is a couch and a screen. Cosplay costume is optional. Email entries to ballinalsoe@galwaylibrary.ie or drop them in.

The libraries national delivery system is back running at full capacity so users can request books online from anywhere in Ireland and have them delivered for collection. Due to current guidelines, they do have some restrictions that hopefully will be lifted in time.

Currently they operate a browse and collect service, where up to ten patrons can pop in at one time with a 20-minute limit. There’s also two internet PCs with printing facilities for self-use available and an accessible bathroom.
​
There’s also a contact and collect / delivery service for patrons who can't visit the library. Check out their online catalogue to see if there is anything you fancy from their collection or contact them and tell them your favourite types of book. They’ll put together a book bag with a bunch of selections for you and make it available for a friend to collect.
They’re hoping to roll out a delivery service for the winter so contact them if you would like to be included.

As per government guidelines face coverings are now mandatory in the library. Opening hours for the next while are Tuesday – Saturday 11-1 & 2-5.

Stay tuned to their Facebook and Instagram accounts for competitions, story-times and flower arranging demos.