Archie Comics Tour Stopping Here

The Archie Comics Literacy Tour is stopping at Barrington Books next Saturday, Oct. 1, in its road trip across America.

The Archie Comics Literacy Tour is a celebration of the comic book’s 70-year history and a mission to promote literacy and learning through comic books, according to Jennifer Massotti, manager of the bookstore in the Barrington Shopping Plaza. It’s the latest event in the bookstore’s celebration of its 25th year in business.

The stop in Barrington, from 1 to 4 pm, is the only one in New England.

“We are very proud to have been chosen as the New England bookstore stop for the tour,” said Massotti. “The key criteria in choosing the tour stops were a commitment to literacy and programs that instill a love of reading in kids.

“We’re doing that at Barrington Books with our award-winning story hour, our enthusiastic staff, and our wide array of children’s events. Comic book fans will be excited to find all-new Archie comic book titles at the event, as well as creative restorations of older comics (Archie: A Celebration of America's Favorite Teenager).”

The stop will include an appearance by the “Archie Tour Van” complete with music, giveaways and a BBQ.

The tour kicked off in San Diego in July, and will continue to make stops at bookstores, museums and schools across the country, she said.

 “It will be a fun, festive afternoon,” said Massotti. “We’re hoping to draw all the folks who grew up reading Archie Comics, as well as introduce a new generation of fans to the series.”

Comic Book Fairs, a division of Archie Comics, was built on the belief that comic books can be a great conduit to literacy and academic concepts, especially for reluctant readers. It works with schools and stores to build connections within communities to establish Archie Comics as a learning tool.