Comic book creator Sikora to lead teen workshops at MCDL

The Medina County District Library will host a Comic Book Creators Workshop for teens this month, featuring Cleveland-based comic book creator Ted Sikora, made possible through Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant funding.

In June, MCDL received the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant from the American Library Association. The grant included a collection of 80 Will Eisner books and other award-winning graphic titles, $2,000 to purchase additional graphic novels, and $1,000 to support a new community program for teens focused on comic creation and illustration.

Sikora will lead workshops at two MCDL locations. The first will be held Friday, Jan. 9, from 5–7 p.m. at the Medina Library as an after-hours event. The second workshop will take place Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1–3 p.m. at the Brunswick Library.

During the workshops, teens will learn the process of creating a comic book, including how to develop characters and build backstories. Participants will receive approximately $40 worth of art supplies to keep and may choose to enter their finished work in the Teen Art Show at the Medina Library in April. A selection of Sikora’s original comics will also be available for purchase following each event.

“This is a great event for teens in grades six and up who love to draw and especially enjoy creating anime or manga,” said Kelly Halleen, Brunswick Library supervisor. “I know the art teachers in our schools are excited to refer students to this program.”

In addition to the library workshops, Sikora will visit youth at the Medina County Juvenile Detention Center to present a similar program. He said he values opportunities to share his passion for comics with young people.

“You never know when a young person will find the spark that sets them on the path to a successful future in a creative field,” Sikora said.

Graphic novels continue to be a popular format at MCDL. In 2024, patrons borrowed graphic novels more than 92,000 times. The library system also hosts manga programs for youth and young adults and an annual Mini Con event for teens at the Medina Library.

Registration for the Comic Book Creators Workshop is available at mcdl.info/CharacterCreation.