Drink tea, Talk comics, Repeat! The Magical Comics Tea at #ALAAC24 is basically speed dating with graphic novel and comics creators. The Tea is a ticketed event sponsored by the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table.
This year, attendees were seated at 15 different tables each with a different creator. The creator book talked their newest work(s), and there was usually time for questions. After 6 minutes, the creators then switched tables, and we got to meet the next creator and hear about their work. It is a great way to learn about a lot of new releases at one time. And to be up close and personal with creators. It is so special hearing about these works from the creator because you get to ask questions about their process.
This year, some of the creators included Ngozi Ukazu, James Tynion IV, Anthony del Col, and Jeffrey Brown. I learned about graphic novels that I want to order for my collection and some adult titles that I want to read myself.
And, of course, there was tea/coffee, scones, fruit, and desserts. (The Rice Krispie treats were some of the best I’ve ever had!)
Did I mention that there is swag? There is swag! As an attendee, you get to take home copies of some of the graphic novels that you heard about at the Tea. This year, there was also a promotional t-shirt from Romeo vs. Juliet!
Guest Contributor Soline Holmes (she/her/hers) is a librarian and the Information Services Department chair at Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the Secretary for ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable, co-chair of ALSC’s Children and Libraries Editorial Advisory Committee, and a member of ALSC’s Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee. She also serves on the Louisiana Young Readers Choice Award committees for K-2 and 3-5 and is a Teaching with Primary Sources Network Mentor. She has given presentations on graphic novels, Mother Goose and STEM, Primary Sources, and Global Education at local and national conferences. At ALA, she is looking forward to some of her favorite events: GameRT’s ALAPlay, the GNCRT Magical Comics Tea, and the Newbery/Caldecott/Legacy Banquet. When she was little, Soline wanted to be the first person to direct and star in the first musical on the moon….
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.