Farmingdale Library apologizes after accidentally giving out pornographic comic in family gift bags

An explicit comic book incorrectly classified as child-appropriate by the distributor was given to a youngster Saturday by the Farmingdale Public Library during National Free Comic Book Day, an official said.

Comic book distributors use color-coded sheets of paper to separate different categories of comics in the free bags. The comic 'Fungirl Tales of a Grown-up Nothing', meant only for adults' eyes, slipped through.

"Despite having participated in National Free Comic Book Day's giveaway for six years, unfortunately, at least one of the comic books received from Diamond Comic Distributors this year contained explicit imagery," the library said in a statement.

"The Library sincerely apologizes for this oversight," it added.

Deborah Podolski, library director, said in an email the library received about 300 comic books with dozens of different titles. She added: "We believe that six of this title with explicit imagery were distributed to the public."

Emily Hunter, director of marketing at Hunt Valley, Maryland-based Diamond Comic Distributors, said by email: "Given this mishap by the library, we are reviewing guidelines going forward."

The firm's procedures included asking each library in the program to request titles rated for different ages -- all, teen, and mature, which means 18 years or older. The libraries then are sent an assortment based on that information, along with signs they can display to "aid readers in selecting age-appropriate comics."

Farmingdale librarians now are discussing whether to continue the program next year, and if they do, that distributor will not be included, Podolski said.

Free Comic Book Day, began in 2002, and aims to support this publishing sector by "bringing in new readers and enthusiasts," according to its website, which noted participation in Europe, Asia and Australia.

Diamond Comic Distributors, the web site says, is the largest distributor. Venom #35, which the firm distributes, was the bestselling comic book in June, Diamond says on its website.