Anime is a type of cartoon developed in Japan. It didn’t have a huge following in the United States until after the 1990’s. Anime has been tremendously popularized in America through comics, movies and even conferences where enthusiasts dress up as their favorite characters. The Anime style consists of characters with exaggerated eyes and hair. It is similar to another Japanese cartoon called manga.
The Anime Fan Club meets every Saturday at the Spring Hill Branch Library, where children to young adults can share their passion and interest in the Anime universe.
“We recognized that we had a good size following for Anime, we realized that there was a void for these kids they didn’t really have anywhere to go, so we wanted to provide that for them,” said Brittnay McGarrity, Digital Initiatives Librarian for the Spring Hill Branch.
The theme for Library programs this summer is “super-heroes”. Anime has their own super- heroes like Goku and Naruto. Not only do these characters have special gifts but they give insight to those that do follow Anime, lessons in life, to understand and to overcome adversity.
“I know how hard it is to find places to go and I am really excited that I can help be a part of this,” McGarrity said. Anime fans sit around the table, work on the selected crafts, browse through the donated books and participate in discussions about characters, scenes and favorite t-shirts. “It’s been a good experience,” Kayla said; a fifteen year old Anime Fan.
“I brought my daughter here because this would be a way for her to meet new people that have the same interest,” said Bobbi Hinojosa, mother of Monia Frutis.
Noel Alberto has been following Anime since he was twelve and is quite knowledgeable on the subject. “It would be nice to get more people involved,” Alberto said. Bringing more exposure to the club as well as bringing a wider variety of projects such as art to even costume contests may increase the participation.
If you would like more information or to donate items for the Anime club, please visit www.hernandocountylibrary.us or call 352-754-4043.
