Manga History Program For Teens

It is likely that if you have children or teens in your house, at least one of them is deeply engrossed in a manga or anime series. Big eyes, action lines, dramatic plotlines, bizarre and adorable creatures- all staples of this now familiar genre. Manga and anime have seen a dramatic explosion in popularity here in the U.S. over the past twenty years, but the medium’s history is much longer and richer than you might expect.

If you have a diehard otaku (obsessive anime fan) in your house, perhaps they would like to enrich their manga reading experience by learning a little bit about its Japanese origin, centuries-old history, distinct art style, and the dramatic effect it’s had on the cultures of both Japan and the United States. (If they can unbury their nose from that copy of Bleach, that is.) Youth in sixth through twelfth grade are invited to spend an afternoon at Lakewood Public Library’s “Manga Academy,” to discuss the object of their obsession! One session only will be held on Saturday, February 11 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Library’s Multipurpose Room. No registration necessary, just drop in! For more information call the Children and Youth Services Department (216) 226-8275 ext. 140

Nicka Petruccio is a librarian at the Lakewood Public Library in the Children & Youth Services Department.