Program Type:
Featured- Registration is encouraged for this event.
- Registration is no longer available for this event.
Program Description
Event Details
Comic-Con International and San Diego Public Library have teamed up for the Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians (CCEL). This FREE five-day conference will take place at the San Diego Central Library during Comic-Con® from July 23-27, and will explore the role comics play in promoting education and literacy for all ages. Those in the library and education fields are invited to learn creative and exciting ways to incorporate comics and other popular arts into their work. Through presentations and panel discussions, the Conference hopes to engage the community and promote comics as a medium for learning.
Seating is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is for interest only and does not guarantee a seat.
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Please join us for the following Library Day panels at CCEL on Thursday, July 24th:
10:00–11:00 | Comics, Spanish, Library Magic!
Robert Lanuza and Claudia Apodaca of the San Diego Public Library unite for a fun session on how graphic novels can support Spanish language learning at any age. Robert, host of the city’s only Spanish Graphic Novel Book Club for kids, will share how comics boost comprehension and keep learners engaged. Claudia will highlight the connection between early literacy and bilingual learning and how it all starts with a great story and a little laughter. Moderated by Rebecca Wright (St. Paul’s Hollywood Library in S.C.).
11:00–12:00 | We've Got Pixie Dust (and We Know How to Use It)
Explore how libraries can capture the spirit of Disney magic through immersive programming, creative design, and guest-centered service to inspire joy and wonder in their communities. Jeffrey Davis (Linda Vista Library branch manager), Amanda Lorge (art, music, and recreation librarian and former Jungle Cruise skipper), Melissa Barbour (Scripps Miramar Ranch Library youth services librarian), and Jenny Parsons (Central Children's Library manager) from the San Diego Public Library will share practical ways to transform spaces, engage patrons, and bring storytelling to life using pop culture and Imagineering-inspired techniques. Moderated by Kit Jackson (I CAN! Center library assistant).
12:00–1:00 | Creating Social and Environmental Justice Comics
Author and teacher Cindy Jenson-Elliott (The Doomsday Detectives) and Madison High School Students (San Diego Unified School District) will share their process of creating nonfiction comics to tell local social and environmental justice stories and will lead participants in hands-on activities to plan their own projects with grades 4–12.
1:00–2:00 | Comic-Con Museum: Co-Designing a Popular Arts Learning Center with Our Community
Learn how the Comic-Con Museum Education Center, led by Dr. Emily Schindler, uses co-design to engage community stakeholders to design learning experiences for fans old and new. This panel, moderated by Jewyl Alderson (San Diego County Office of Education), showcases a recent co-design project (funded by SDG&E) focused on developing makerspace fan art projects to accompany Doctor Who: Worlds of Wonder, a current museum exhibit. Co-designers Danny Beckwith (Comic-Con Museum), Jennem Hobson (Comic-Con Museum), Lisa Will (San Diego City College), Tom and Caspian Rademacher (Father/Child Whovian education team), and other project collaborators offer practical advice on using the popular arts as springboards for community-engaged learning design.
2:00–3:00 | Comics for Education
Dimithri Perera (host of The Keeg podcasts) discusses the educational importance of comic books in schools, libraries, and the home with three comics-loving educators: Sara Zitney (cosplayer/educator), Ambrosha Koepp (content creator/educator), and Drew Maxey (comic writer/educator).
3:00–4:00 | Banned in the U.S.A.?! Freedom, Comics, and Education
Comics can be used as a weapon and as a voice for liberation. Dr. Lynnette Mawhinney (Rutgers University), Pamela Jackson (San Diego State University Library), Dr. William Nericcio (San Diego State University Center for Comics Studies), and Tony Weaver Jr. (Weirdo) have a conversation about comics, censorship, and curriculum. Moderated by comics editor, writer, and scholar Dr. Shamika Mitchell (State University of New York, Rockland Community College/Women in Comics).
4:00–5:00 | Women of Afghan History Through Comics: Detective Sanazu
Did you know there are famous Afghan women who have changed the course of history? Flowers for the Future returns to SDCC promoting an international educational project that spins the story of famous Afghan women through comics. The international panel will share with the fans the process of creating and designing a comic book for a global audience while also safely collaborating and distributing to a population facing gender apartheid. Get an exclusive reveal of the initial concept art, and meet the author, artists, and Flowers for the Future student leaders.
5:00–6:00 | Library-Sponsored Virtual Drawing Programs for Teens
Explore how San Diego Public Library staff use virtual platforms to inspire young artists through drawing programs. The free Zoom-based sessions are informal, welcoming of all skill levels, and inspired by pop culture. Claude Castañeda (library assistant), Rovai Hernandez (library assistant), Thomas Vineberg (senior library technician), and Janet Yeager (librarian) will share how they plan sessions and lead engaging virtual instruction. Discover how these programs foster imagination, artistic growth, and connection. Moderated by Kit Jackson (library assistant).
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Comic-Con badge-holders with valid single same-day or four-day badges are welcome to attend and are not required to register.
In addition to CCEL, San Diego Public Library hosts themed San Diego Comic-Con programming leading up to and through the days of the conference. Please visit our website for more information.