This May, Anythink customers are invited to unleash their inner superhero and dive deep into the world of popular culture. Pop It will bring a variety of programs, partners and experiences to all of Anythink’s seven branches, recognizing the impact of literary, film and music fandom. A 2011 study by St. John Fisher College, “Connecting Literacy and Popular Culture,” found that incorporating popular culture into educational settings can help students identify with literary instruction, and that in its embrace “students of all developmental levels can flourish and become engaged in literacy.” This approach is echoed by Pop Culture Classroom, a Denver-based organization partnering with Anythink for a variety of Pop It programs. Pop Culture Classroom’s mission is to inspire a love of learning, increase literacy, celebrate diversity and build community through the tools of popular culture and the power of self-expression.

View a complete list of upcoming Pop It programs. 

See complete rules for Denver Pop Culture Con ticket giveaway.

“Pop It is designed to build community and explore the arts through the celebration of all things pop culture,” says Stacie Ledden, Anythink director of innovations and brand strategy. “We want to create an opportunity for super fans of all ages to connect with others with the same passion or learn something new in their areas of interest. At Anythink, the staff are all passionate within our fandoms, so it’s fun for us to celebrate along with our community.”

Pop It is hosted in anticipation of Denver Pop Culture Con 2019, which runs May 31-June 2, 2019, at the Denver Convention Center. Anythink will host a Cosplay Repair Station at this year’s Pop Culture Con, where attendees can mend or create last-minute additions or alterations to their costumes. Visitors will also be able to get a first-hand look at different design tools – from fabric printing to 3D-printed chainmail – available at The Studio. The Studio at Anythink is guided by the philosophy that customers of all ages thrive when they discover and follow their passions, collaborate with others, and become creators. Anythink customers will have an opportunity to win a pair of Denver Pop Culture Con tickets in the coming weeks by visiting any Anythink location or online at the library’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. More details on the giveaway to follow at anythinklibraries.org. 

Pop It is the second in a series of three district-wide celebrations hosted by Anythink in 2019. Combined as Dig It | Pop It | Own It, this comprehensive programming initiative provides opportunities throughout the year for the community to discover their passions. In March, community members of all ages explored all things gardening and backyard farming with Dig It. In September, customers are encouraged to further develop career and life skills to help them get ahead with Own It. Together, Dig It | Pop It | Own It provides a platform for Adams County residents to create community, explore culture, and nourish personal and professional aspirations.

– Pop It Programs –

Below is a small sampling of upcoming Pop It programs. View a complete list of upcoming Pop It programs. 

Costume Design for Beginners with Lamia Couture
Thursday, May 2, 5:30 pm | Anythink York Street, 8990 York St., Ste. A, Thornton, CO 80229
Do you love costumes or cosplay? Learn how to make your own with Lamia Couture. Discover how to create costumes on a budget, designed for any occasion or event. Appropriate for teens and adults.

The Mind of a Villain Writing Workshop
Monday, May 6, 6 pm | Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602
Celebrated YA author Colleen Oakes will host a writing workshop to help you develop villains that terrify and heroes that inspire. Appropriate for teens and adults.

From Pen to Panel: Drawing for Comics with Pop Culture Classroom
Tuesday, May 7, 4 pm | Anythink Perl Mack, 7611 Hilltop Cir., Denver, CO 80221
Thursday, May 16, 10 am | Anythink Brighton, 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton, CO 80601
Saturday, May 25, 2:30 pm | Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602
In this workshop, join professional comic artists and discover how comics go from thumbnails to sketches, from inks to colors, and all the way to final production. Learn drawing skills specific to comics and prepare yourself for a future career as a comic creator. Appropriate for ages 8-12.

Comic Book Illustration and Character Design with DiNK Denver
Friday, May 10, 1 pm  | Anythink Bennett, 495 7th St., Bennett, CO 80102
Saturday, May 11, 2 pm | Anythink York Street, 8990 York St., Ste. A, Thornton, CO 80229
Join Brian Essig-Peppard, creative director of DiNK Denver and professional illustrator, to learn methods for creating realistic and engaging illustrations and character designs. His experience in film, television and comic books will inform this interactive class geared toward improving your technical skills. Discover methods for engaging your target audience with striking new art. Appropriate for teens. 

Storytelling and Screenwriting for Film
Monday, May 13, 3 pm | Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton, CO
Former screenwriter and actor Chris VanDijk will discuss the art of storytelling and share ways to fine-tune your craft. Participants will leave with a better understanding of what makes a good story and an outline to get started on their own. Appropriate for adults. 
 

Special Effects Makeup with Cory Bryant
Thursday, May 23, 5 pm | Anythink Commerce City, 7185 Monaco St., Commerce City, CO 80022
Don’t miss this special interactive makeup demonstration with professional makeup artist Cory Bryant. Participants will learn the basics of theatrical and movie makeup, and have an opportunity to apply makeup themselves. Appropriate for children. Space is limited; please visit our online calendar to register.