For more than three years, Tom Green has contained his geekdom within the walls of his comic book store. But now, he's branching out.
Earlier this year, Green, who owns Universe of Superheroes, 19 W. Washington St., began supplying area libraries with about 20 monthly comic books at discounted rates. While the project might produce future customers, Green said he just thought it was a good idea.
I noticed that the Athens Library carried trade paperbacks (graphic novels)
but they didn't carry monthlies he said. I started contacting libraries but they weren't really into it right off the bat. Then I took some free stuff down to Athens and it took off like crazy.
Within a few months, Green was supplying three Athens County libraries -and two more in Washington County -and is planning to expand soon to Meigs County libraries. And in spite of distributing more than 100 comics every month to thousands of potential readers, Green said not one comic has been damaged.
It's been working out great
he said. Kids are checking them out and bringing them back and taking really good care of them. We haven't had one damaged book out of all of those libraries
which amazed me. I thought for sure I'd be replacing stuff all the time.
Now, the plan is to continue adding libraries to his customer list -the sky is the limit, Green said -though he doubts he could work with other stores around the state to supply libraries throughout Ohio.
I would love to do a (statewide program)
he said, but I think I'm more willing to lose money than most people. There really isn't money to be made on this. I'm just getting the medium out there a little more.
