NORWALK, CT – February 19, 2026 – ReedPop, the world’s leading producer of pop culture events, today announced an exciting lineup of professional programming coming to this year’s Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2). Set to take place on Friday, March 27th, the offerings will be curated in partnership with a coalition of library institutions, including the American Library Association (ALA), Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), the Chicago Public Library (CPL), and the Newberry Library. C2E2 is set to return to McCormick Place from March 27 through March 29, where fans will experience the best of pop culture with a slate of special guests, panelists, exhibitors, comic artists, anime voice actors, their favorite celebrities, and more.
On Friday, March 27th, industry professionals will be able to participate in panels, interactive programming, free swag, and more. Below is a look at this year’s offerings for librarians and educators. RAILS will offer continuing education credits for at least two sessions:
- Access & Engage: Graphic Book Clubs That Spark CommunityJoin librarians who have made a practice of using graphic novels and comic books as a part of their book clubs’ selections. Different types of libraries approach the implementation of graphic novels in different ways, and will be in discussion about best practices.
Kendall Kidder-Goshorn, who manages book clubs at CPL, will discuss larger initiatives likeOne Book, One Chicago and CPL’s citywide book club service, The Reading Set. Chloe Waryan, librarian at Bucktown-Wicker Park Library, will share insights on creating welcoming, vibrant spaces centered on graphic selections and building community conversations around comics and graphic novels.
Friday, March 27th from 1:45pm to 2:30pm in Room S401
- Why Graphic Novels? Defending Graphic Novels in the Age of CensorshipWhat does it mean to make art and promote comics reading in an age of censorship? In the last five years, schools and libraries have experienced record levels of bans and challenges. Comics and graphic novels are regularly targeted for censorship, particularly those authored by LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC creators, and those focusing on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC lived experiences. What does it mean in an age of comics censorship to make creative work and to promote the reading of this work? Join a panel of creators, educators, and advocates, including author Jarrett Dapier, as they discuss defending the value of graphic novels and comics. Gain practical tools to take action today.
Friday, March 27th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in Room S401
- Programming with Comics in the LibraryComics are more than just popular items on a shelf; they are powerful tools for literacy and vibrant community engagement. Join us as we discuss how to design and execute impactful library programs centered around comics! Join the Newberry Library and a panel of librarians to get practical tips as they discuss what has worked when creating programs for patrons, young and old. In 2025, The Newberry’s Center for Renaissance Studies established an annual prize for artists to create a medieval minicomic based on historic library collections, and the winners will present their works in progress.
Friday, March 27th from 4:15pm to 5:00pm in Room S401
- Pull Lists: Using Awards & Lists to Curate Your Next Great ReadEver feel overwhelmed by the “New Releases” wall or the sheer amount of titles in your local comic book store? Join a panel of librarians and creators that will guide you into the industry’s most prestigious “cheat sheets.”
In this session, we’ll show you how to use professional awards and expert lists to build a reading stack or library collection that’s all killer, no filler. Well-known and newer awards will be covered, along with a variety of best-of lists for all ages. Come find out why these are truly the best of the best and why they matter.
Friday, March 27th from 5:30pm to 6:15pm in Room S401
In addition to the slate of programs for librarians, the ALA, CPL, and RAILS will have a joint booth on the show floor offering library card sign-up opportunities, help finding your next great graphic novel to read, prizes for showing your library card, and more, as well as a display and photo Banned & Challenged books and the value of libraries. This year, the Newberry Library will be sharing a table with the Adler Planetarium, highlighting special collections, exhibitions, and hands-on learning opportunities.
The American Library Association is excited to bring library-focused programming to C2E2,” said Sam Helmick, ALA President. “Like comics, libraries are for everyone, and ALA enthusiastically supports library workers in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics to serve their communities. Storytelling, fandom, and media have extraordinary power to build connection, spark imagination, and create spaces where people see themselves and one another more fully. C2E2 provides a great opportunity to meet comic lovers and creators, celebrate our communities that grow around shared stories, and raise awareness about issues affecting their libraries from the ongoing surge in book censorship to threats to library funding.”
“We are proud to be partnering with the American Library Association to bring professional programming that is dynamic and forward-thinking,” said Kristina Rogers, VP of ReedPop US Comics Portfolio. “C2E2 is a celebration of pop culture, and we continue to look for ways to complement that with offerings that allow professionals and emerging talent to learn from industry professionals and grow their passions.”
Industry professionals looking to attendProfessional Programming can apply for aProfessional Badge on C2E2’s official site.Professional applications will close on Friday, March 13th, at 5pm CT.
Tickets for C2E2 2026 are on sale for the general public, with multi-day and single-day options available. Fans who purchase a C2E2 Superfan Membership will also have digital access to the event. As Superfans, members also receive premium access to purchase Select Autographing sessions, Photo Ops, and exclusive merchandise throughout the year for $99 annually, in addition to exclusive onsite perks at C2E2 such as Fast Pass lines for Autographing and Photo Ops.
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