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What’s New for 2021?

I know it’s been months since there’s been a new post. Ever since we had to cancel our meetings back in early 2020, I kept putting off a new post hoping that soon the library would be able to open and we could have a big event to celebrate.

Obviously, that didn’t happen.

Since the first few months of 2021 may be similar to 2020, I decided not to wait anymore. Even if we can’t meet in person, Anime Relief Offices can continue to offer fun anime and manga activities for Inland Empire residents.

January 2021 launches some new pages to this website, including a Fan Art page. I’m opening this up to everyone who wants to show of their artwork. Share a comment to this post indicating the anime/manga that inspired your artwork. Be sure to include your real email when you fill out the comment form, but NOT in the body of your message. Anime Relief Offices will reach out to you with information on how to submit your artwork for the website.

Keep an eye on this website for more updates and virtual activities.

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Meetings Cancelled Until Further Notice

Due to the ongoing COVID-based library closures, Anime Relief Offices meetings have been cancelled until further notice.

Keep an eye on this website for online activities until we can resume meetings.

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Romance—Anime Style!

Join us Saturday, February 29, 2020, for some anime-style romance with Gravitation, Looking Up at the Half Moon, and more.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Right Stuf Anime, for providing free screeners for everything we’re showing in February.

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Annual Anime Cosplay Contest

It’s almost time for our annual anime/manga cosplay contest. Come dressed as your favorite anime or manga character and you could win one of several prizes, including an anime DVD.

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2019
Time: 1 p.m. (Registration begins)
Location: Mary Kellogg Room, Feldheym Central Library, 555 West 6th Street, San Bernardino

FAQs

How long does the contest last?

Registration begins at 1 p.m. The actual contest begins at 2:15 and should end by approximately 3 p.m. We’ll be screening anime between 1:15 and 2:15, so there’s plenty to do.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

There are no age restrictions, but anyone under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Prizes will be awarded in two age categories: 12 & under and 13 & older. If you don’t have an ID, event organizers have the final determination of which category you will compete in.

Can I bring weapons into the event?

Real and real-looking weapons are NOT allowed. If you bring real or real-looking weapons, you will be disqualified from the contest and may be asked to leave the library. Obviously fake weapons, such as foam swords or cardboard shields, are allowed.

What costumes are allowed?

Participants may cosplay (dress in costume) as any character from anime and/or manga, including, but not limited to, Pokémon, Bleach, Attack on Titan, Inuyasha, Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Black Butler, Legend of Zelda, Oh My Goddess!, Tsubasa, My Hero Academia, Speed Racer, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yuri on Ice, and Cowboy Bebop.

Who picks the winner?

The winner of the cosplay contest is selected by popular vote of everyone who attends the event, including the other cosplayers. Participants cannot vote for themselves.

What if I don’t have a costume?

Everyone is welcome. If you don’t have a costume, come to enjoy some anime and vote for your favorite cosplayer.

What if I have questions?

If you have questions, please post to the comments section.


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Anime Scavenger Hunt in August

DATE CHANGE: The next meeting will be Saturday, August 17, 2019! Sorry for the change.

Join us on Saturday for an anime scavenger hunt at the library! Work by yourself or as a team to find the anime images hidden throughout the library. Start in Feldheym Library, Kellogg Room B for instructions. And yes, there will be prizes for the winner!

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2019 Pokemon Go Event

Meet other trainers, battle to control multiple gyms, stock up at several Pokestops, and make some friends to trade with. All for FREE!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-pokemon-go-event-tickets-62099199377?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

FAQs

How long does the event last?

Registration begins at 1 p.m. The actual event begins at 1:30 p.m. The event, including prize distribution, will end by 4 p.m.

Are there prizes?

Yes! There will be prizes for the trainers who are in control of the gyms on the library property at the end of the event. Trainers can only win one gym-control prize even if they control more than one gym. There will also be team prizes and a special prize for participants ages 12 & under.

Will there be Pokestops with lures?

Yes, the first lure will be activated at 1:30 when the event officially starts. Lures will continue to be activated at random intervals on random Pokestops at the library until the event ends. At least one special lure will be activated during the event.

Anything else I need to know?

Free wi-fi is available at the library, but many people will be using it so the connection could be slow. Please bring your own device charger. Limited outlets are available for use in the Kellogg Room only. Please be respectful of other library patrons during the event—No Shouting, Please!

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

If you have questions, post them in the comments.

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Your Club President Undertakes Some First-Class, Unlimited Musings

Semi-regular blog

I thought about calling this column Presidential Ramblings, but I was afraid it would bring to mind State of the Union addresses instead of reflections on all things Japanese and not Japanese.

Actually, First-Class, Unlimited Musings is a direct homage to the classic manga and anime series Oh My Goddess! that also inspired our club’s name. The title reflects my hope that my musings will be, if not first class, at least not lame. And of course, there is the unlimited number of topics I can, and probably will, cover. From basic anime reviews and club news to academic discussions of manga archetypes and Japanese culture, expect anything and everything from me.

I hope First-Class, Unlimited Musings will get not just you, our club members, to think, react, and comment. I also hope it will attract people from across the Inland Empire and the world to get involved and make our club’s virtual community a more interactive and exciting place to be.

Feel free to suggest some future topics. I don’t promise to listen, but if you inspire me, I just might take up the challenge. And remember, these are First-Class, Unlimited Musings, so I promise no lies and, though I can’t grant your heart’s desire, I will generally keep things clean and polite.

If you have no idea what that previous paragraph means, you need to read Oh My Goddess! That’s all for now. Check back regularly for more from me, your club president.