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Hundreds of free comics offered at city libraries

Thought Bubble Three young people stand in a library wearing outfits inspired by characters from graphic novels. One holds a title called The Hive, by Charles Burns. Another holds a graphic novel called Sugar Skull, by the same author. The third person in the background is holding a large wooden cane. Thought Bubble
Book Crossing, now in its 15th year, has seen more than 10,000 free comics and graphic novels distributed since 2009

Hundreds of free comics and graphic novels are being handed out in libraries across Leeds in a move aiming to inspire young readers.

About 1,000 titles suitable for all ages will be available to pick up from 10 libraries in the city from Friday as part of Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival.

The initiative, now in its 15th year, has seen more than 10,000 free comics and graphic novels distributed since 2009.

Thought Bubble, the UK's largest comic art convention and festival, runs until Sunday at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Book Crossing 2024, which is supported by distributor Diamond Comics, runs from 10:00 GMT until all titles have been snapped up.

Andrew Benge/Thought Bubble A library entrance is decorated by hanging flowers, with a red sign and a blue sign advertising Thought Bubble festival. The branding reads: "The Yorkshire comic art festival." A talk is going on in the background, with people looking at a speaker. Andrew Benge/Thought Bubble
Leeds Central Library is one of the 10 participating libraries in the city

Comic artist and illustrator Lisa Wood, who founded Thought Bubble in 2007, said comic books were a form of art "people absorb themselves in that they love".

"Some of the best literary works out there are comic books, a lot of people love them," said Ms Wood, who writes under the pen name Tula Lotay.

The Ilkley-based writer said she overcame her dyslexia and learned how to read through comic books, with her experiences inspiring her to start the Book Crossing initiative.

"Comics are so much more than superheroes - there's just so much going on in these amazing books," she said.

"I think that's why the movie industry looks to them so often."

Handout Lisa Wood, who has shoulder-length blonde hair, stood next to a poster of Catwoman.Handout
Thought Bubble Festival founder Lisa Wood, pictured with one of her Catwoman illustrations, writes under the pen name Tula Lotay

The artist stepped down from running Thought Bubble, which attracts attendees and speakers from around the world, in 2022 to give her more time to focus on her family and her illustration.

She concluded: "Comic books can be expensive and books can be expensive, we work with incredible partners who often have surplus stock and want to invest in the events.

"They are available for anyone to read."

The comics will be available at:

  • Ardsley and Tingley Library
  • Bramley Library and Community Hub
  • Leeds Central Library
  • Chapel Allerton Library
  • Harehills' Compton Road Library and Community Hub
  • Crossgates Library and Community Hub
  • Farsley Library and Community Hub
  • Garforth Library and Community Hub
  • Horsforth Library and Community Hub
  • Hunslet Library and Community Hub

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