The Librarians “Get” Graphic party will connect Portland’s leading graphic novel publishers, artists, and creators with librarians from the Multnomah County Library system. Even as other book sales decline, annual sales of graphic novels continue to grow. This is in no small part due to the support of the national library systems, and Portland-area publishers, in particular, have benefited from this connection.

The April 24 event has already garnered support from prominent organizations and businesses. Organizers for the 2008 Stumptown Comics Festival, taking place in Portland April 26–27, have pledged to match every invitation with free admission to the festival. Baker’s Mark and Bowler Hat Comics are seeking donations to be raffled off the night of the event. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Friends of the Library and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF). As stated on the Friends of the Library website, “Throughout its 33-year history, Friends of the Library has played a vital role in the well-being of Multnomah County Library: It has funded enhanced services, helped spread the message that libraries are important, and provided financial and volunteer support during nine levy elections.” The CBLDF was founded in 1986 and is “dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community.” For information about these nonprofit organizations, visit their websites: www. friends-library.org and www.cbldf.org.

Librarians “Get” Graphic will be hosted in the spacious and inspiring Ogle art gallery and optical store located on NW Broadway in The Pearl. Ogle provides a venue for a diverse array of mediums—supporting both local and international artists. Sumptuous hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Company Catering & Event Planning, a fully integrated food experience that combines culinary expertise with a visual design team and hand-picked music. In recognition of the atmosphere and offerings of the party, newly created MIX Magazine will donate free subscriptions to 50 lucky “foodie” guests.

Top Shelf Productions, Oni Press, and Dark Horse Comics are among the attending guest publishers. Special guests include speaker Douglas Wolk, author of Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean, and graphic novel creators Craig Thompson, Jesse Reklaw, Dylan Meconis, Farel Dalrymple, and Matt Wagner.

full press release