already reading instead of exposing them to new titles. The number of titles has also caused concern for some retail staff and journalists, who find it challenging to gain familiarity with all 50 to 60 titles to make recommendations. Related events was launched in 2010 and is held in comics shops in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on the Saturday following FCBD. Nearly 20 publishers participate, with about 35 titles offered for free. The Netherlands and Flanders (the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) have also observed Free Comic Book Day, beginning on May 5, 2012. Halloween ComicFest is an annual promotion launched by Diamond Comics in 2012, held roughly six months from FCBD on the Saturday before Halloween, promoting titles themed to that holiday. Each year there are about 20 full-sized free titles and another 10 mini-comics which can be purchased in packs for trick-or-treaters. In 2016, about 2 million comics were given away by 1,900 shops. Costume contests are held by some retailers, and online via the event's website. Local Comic Shop Day (LCSD) is an annual promotion begun in 2015 by North American trade association ComicsPRO, and held annually in late November. Approximately 20 LCSD special edition comic books are offered each year, with retailers often having Black Friday discounts on merchandise. This event has been compared to FCBD and Record Store Day. Children's Book Week (CBW), organized by American non-profit Every Child a Reader, was moved to May in 2008. FCBD was named as an official CBW event, launching Children's Book Week, and the two organizations partner in promoting child literacy. In 2015, FCBD carried the literacy guide Raising A Reader! How Comics & Graphic Novels Can Help Your Kids Love to Read! among its free titles. Inspired by Free Comic Book Day, the pen-and-paper roleplaying game industry started Free RPG Day on June 15, 2007. It is a moveable event held on the third Saturday in June. See also Star Wars Day, which occasionally coincides with FCBD Notes References External links Miller, John Jackson (May 2, 2012). Original magazine article suggesting "Free Comic Book Day, from 2002 to today". The Comics Chronicles. 2002 in comics American comics Book promotion Cartooning events Comics industry Comics terminology Free goods and services May observances Recurring events established in 2002