Happy Halloween! Thank you for reading Curls.
XOXO,
Carolyn
© Carolyn Belefski
Comment
This past Saturday was the Author Book Festival at Pohick Regional Library. It was only two hours and before the event I got to spend some time going around the room to meet other authors who were also already set-up. There were all types of books being represented — many were political or historical, but I was the only cartoonist. The Upstart Crow Podcast was able to gather short interviews there. There was a raffle giveaway of two $50 Visa gift cards and free face painting. I also displayed my Fairfax County Library card design. Someone told me this particular location said they were sold out of my design — a few people wanted to get it and were unable to. Maybe other locations still might have my design, but you’d have to ask around because FCPL has 23 branches!
Comic Historian D. D. Degg asks on The Daily Cartoonist: Who Are the 2026 Guest Jumblers?
Jumble’s Guest Jumbler Week returns for November 16-21, 2026 and this image is the promo.
You are invited to the Local Author Book Festival at Pohick Regional Library, located at 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, VA 22015, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM.
Come and be a part of a wonderful celebration showcasing local talent! Prepare for a day brimming with stories, creativity, and community at the library. Connect with local authors and delve into discussions about their works. Browse a variety of their books available for purchase. Delight in family-friendly activities, including face painting. Don’t forget to stop by the library table for a chance to win one of two $50 Visa gift cards.
Cosponsored by the Fairfax Library Foundation. No registration required.
For more information and to see a list of appearing authors: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/16581774
Yesterday the Washington, DC Chapter of National Cartoonists Society (NCS) continued our annual “Cartoonists Draw Blood” blood drive event with the American Red Cross. We have been drawing for blood donors since 2013 and this year was special because we got to do it on the actual Halloween holiday!
NCS is represented by John Gallagher, Joe Sutliff, and Carolyn Belefski. Thanks to this year’s venue Chinmaya Somnath for hosting the location and everyone who stopped by our fun table. The American Red Cross had a social media volunteer document the event, so when that content is avilable we will share with you. More photos are avilable on my Instagram.
If you are in the Washington, DC area and want to host us at your blood drive, please connect with American Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region.
Cartoonists Draw Blood — blood drive with the American Red Cross returns on Halloween — Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 9AM-1:00PM at Chinmaya Somnath 4350 Blue Spring Drive, Chantilly, VA 20152.
Blood donors meet local cartoonists and take home a complementary sketch from a Washington, DC National Cartoonists Society member after their appointment.
Creators scheduled to appear: John Gallagher, Joe Sutliff, Carolyn Belefski
Schedule appointments to donate blood (search zip code 20152): www.redcrossblood.org
Costumes encouraged, but also keep in mind you should be able to roll up your sleeves.
Eligibility requirements: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html
Come to give and the American Red Cross will say thanks with up to $20 in Gift Cards! You’ll get a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email plus 500 bonus points, redeemable for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards.
Please consider sharing this event notice on the socials — it’s a great way to be thankful and give back this season even if you can’t give blood at this time.