ATHOL – On Saturday, Oct. 5, the Athol Public Library and Hero Shack Press are teaming up for the third annual Comic Book Fest.

The Athol Town Hall and library will be transformed with comics, artist panels, vendors, cosplay, games and crafts. There will be something for everyone at this family-friendly event.

The team behind this event has been working on bringing new artists, vendors, community partners and activities to the festival.

Christopher and Diana Tamulevich, the team behind Hero Shack Press, have been inviting and collaborating with independent comic book creators from the North Quabbin area and all over New England. Visitors from last year’s fest will be treated to both familiar and new faces among the 18 artists signed up to exhibit their work.

“This is an awesome showcase of local creators and a great opportunity to come together and celebrate a love of art, pop culture, and of course reading,” said Emily Boughton, the young adult library tech at the Athol Library. “We love being able to introduce our community to new independent artists and can’t wait to share all the fun activities we’ve been working on.”

During the festival there will also be special panels and events, including a how-to-draw session with Chistopher Tamulevich. The popular cosplay contest is also returning and guests of all ages can show off their costumes and handiwork, with a first place prize of $30. A full schedule of events will be available on the library’s website and social media pages prior to the event.

Alongside the artists and authors, His and Hers Comics of Greenfield and Holeymoleys Comics & Collectibles of Northhampton will be selling pop culture items, including mainstream comics. The Friends of the Athol Public Library will be selling refreshments to raise funds for future library programs. Valuing Our Children, Launchspace, ATAC, and the Athol Area YMCA will also provide activities and information to visitors.

As they participate in the activities and visit the various artists, visitors will have the opportunity to earn tickets to enter into raffles for signed prints, card games and collectibles.

The Comic Book Fest will take place at the Athol Town Hall, 584 Main St. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Visitors of all ages are welcome to stop by and enjoy the festivities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.