Get your pop culture on at Modesto’s Barnes & Noble
Summer is popping this month at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Modesto.
With July came the return of the store’s Get Pop-Cultured events, celebrating books, comic books, characters, movies, artists, illustrators and pop-culture icons with a month of activities and programs.
“These events help bring to life our customers’ favorite books, characters, DVDs, artists, illustrators and pop culture touchstones,” said Galen Reyes, assistant manager at the Modesto Barnes & Noble. “We wanted to involve our customers and their passion for these icons of pop culture. This year volunteers are encouraged to participate, even facilitate events, and cosplay is welcomed.”
Get Pop-Cultured was introduced by the chain retailer last year. It’s a way for the company to recognize “all of the fandoms and properties beloved by our customers and rewarding our customers for their loyal support,” Reyes said in an email interview.
Last year’s fledgling program in Modesto was well received. “We had amazing turnouts for the events, with the most popular being the “Frozen Friday” (geared to the hit animated film) that was attended by an overwhelming crowd of 400 people,” Reyes said.
This year, he expects a Minion Villain-Con on July 17 to attract the biggest crowds, thanks to the big-buzz film “Minions” that was just released on Friday. “We have started taking reservations and hope the turnout to rival last year’s Frozen Friday,” Reyes said.
Another popular event likely will be a “Star Wars”-themed day on July 18 – particularly given Modesto’s George Lucas ties. Reyes said he hopes to have local cosplay groups – role players who dress in costume as fictional characters – in for the event.
The joys of vinyl records will be celebrated on July 25, with a program that includes a discussion on the history and value of vinyl with Willie Hines. Hines is owner of Stockton’s Replay Records, who also was lead singer for hard rock band Jet Red. He will appear at the Gallo Center on July 18 for a show with The Broken Toys.
“Willie has quite a history in these parts. I first encountered him as the owner of Replay Records in Stockton. Through conversation I realized I had previously been a customer of his when he was the import buyer for the Record Factory in Modesto,” Reyes said, adding, “His musical knowledge is impeccable.”
The Get Pop-Cultured promotion also coincides with Tuesday’s national release of “To Kill a Mockingbird” author Harper Lee’s much-anticipated book “Go Set a Watchman.”
To mark the release, the Modesto Barnes & Noble will hold a “Mockingbird” read-athon on Monday, July 13. Scheduled at the store from open to close, local authors and others will read the acclaimed novel from start to finish. The store opens early Tuesday, July 14, for the book’s release.
There are several more Get Pop-Cultured events that continue through July 31 at the Modesto Barnes & Noble, 3501 McHenry Ave. Call 209-521-1118 for more information or to register.
“Seeing everyone dressed up,” Reyes said, “passionately discussing the properties they love, the books, movies and music that influenced them, that changed their lives, was the best part of the events last year.”
Pat Clark: 209-578-2312
Modesto’s Get Pop-Cultured lineup
July 13-14: Harper Lee Celebration – On July 13, all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide will read Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” from start to finish, beginning at 9 a.m. On July 14, Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman” will be released. The store will open early, at 7 a.m., and the first 20 customers to buy the book will receive a “To Kill a Mockingbird” reusable tote.
July 16: Throwback Thursday, the 1970s – Arrive dressed in your favorite ’70s clothes to play Rubik’s Cube Hot Potato and ’70s trivia. 6 p.m.
July 17: Minions Fun – Become a certified Minion and attend “Villain-Con” to help search for the most despicable villain to follow. The event will have activities and giveaways. Space is limited; call to reserve. 7 p.m.
July 18: “Star Wars” Saturday – Young “Star Wars” fans can enjoy Star Wars Storytime at 11 a.m., followed by a Star Wars craft. Then, fans of all ages can check out products, activities, cosplay, trivia and more beginning at 3 p.m.
July 19: Manga Mania – Aficionados of the popular style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels can enjoy themed activities and giveaways. 1 p.m.
July 23: Throwback Thursday, the 1980s – Dress in your favorite ’80s attire and experiment with graffiti art. 6 p.m.
July 24: Fangirl Friday – Fangirls can unite and celebrate fandom with an introduction to the “Women of Marvel,” cosplay, giveaways and more. 7 p.m.
July 25: “Ninja Bunny” Storytime – A reading of “Ninja Bunny,” followed by a craft. 11 a.m.
July 25: Vinyl Day – Discussion on the history and value of vinyl with guest expert Willie Hines. 2 p.m. Then, play vinyl trivia to determine which album art goes with which band. There will be giveaways, special offers and exclusives. 4 p.m.
July 26: James Patterson Day – Celebrate author James Patterson with a special one-day-only offer on all Patterson’s adult, kids and teen books. 10 a.m.
July 28 and July 31: Dr. Seuss Spectacular – Storytime and craft celebrating the newly discovered Dr. Seuss book “What Pet Should I Get?” Also, other Seuss-based crafts, trivia, story time and more. 7 p.m.
July 30: Throwback Thursday, the 1990s – Marks the 25th anniversary of Disney’s “Toy Story.” Exclusive figurines available for purchase. Event will be followed by a “Goosebumps” activity. 7 p.m.
This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Get your pop culture on at Modesto’s Barnes & Noble."