Free comic day and workshop in the city library

On Saturday, 9 May 2026, Bocholt City Library is once again inviting you to the popular "Gratis Comic Tag". From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children and young people will have the opportunity to take up to three issues free of charge from a diverse selection of 22 comics - while stocks last.

This year's edition is all about children's and youth comics. Visitors can look forward to familiar characters and exciting stories, including superheroes, adventure and fantasy tales as well as humorous and age-appropriate stories. The spectrum ranges from classic comic heroes and manga to modern young-adult themes and non-fiction comics.

Free comic workshop in the children's and youth library

A creative comic workshop will be offered alongside the free comic programme. From 10 am to 12 noon, children aged 8 and over can design their own comic. Individual stories are created with the help of tablets, a comic app and their own photos. It is important that participants bring their own toy figures, which can be used as the main characters in their comics. Participation in the workshop is free of charge, but prior registration at stadtbibliothek.bocholt.de is required.

"Comics are far more than just entertainment for children and young people; they are a creative approach to the world of storytelling", emphasises Romina Raske, comics editor and staff member at the children's and youth library. "When young people develop their own stories, design characters and use digital tools, they combine imagination with media skills. It is precisely these kinds of activities that not only promote the joy of reading, but also strengthen expressiveness, creativity and critical thinking", she explains.

Awakening enthusiasm for reading with the diversity of the comic world

Free Comic Book Day 2026 will be supported by a total of eleven publishers, who will jointly provide a colourful mix of 22 comic titles. The aim of the campaign is to inspire children and young people to read and introduce them to the diversity of the comic world. Comics in particular are an effective means of promoting reading, as they facilitate access and support text comprehension through the combination of images and short texts. At the same time, they increase reading motivation, train reading strategies and promote linguistic development through everyday dialogues.

Bocholt City Library is looking forward to welcoming numerous comic fans and a creative day of events.