LibraryCon! returns to Fishers Nov. 14

Family-friendly event features cosplay, gaming, live music, creative workshops & manga artist Misako Rocks

Get ready for a day of fandom, creativity, and geeky goodness!

Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) will play host to its third annual LibraryCon! from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Fishers Library. The all-ages event invites fans of comics, gaming, anime, science fiction, and more to celebrate their favorite fandoms through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with fellow fans.

“HEPL is excited to welcome back gaming and comic fans to our third annual LibraryCon!,” HEPL Systemwide Program Coordinator Allison Kartman said. “This all-ages, family-friendly event is the library’s biggest program of the year, and this year we’re stepping it up a notch. In addition to the familiar sights of open board gaming, our vendor marketplace, and workshops, we’re ending the day with a featured keynote speaker. We hope patrons will bring the whole family to enjoy this special day at their local library.”

This year’s event will conclude with a special presentation by Misako Rocks, a Japanese manga artist and online educator whose work has been published worldwide. From 2 to 3 p.m., attendees can learn about the creative process behind her Bounce Back book series, discover what it takes to be a manga artist, and follow along with an interactive manga drawing activity. A book signing will follow the presentation.

 

Throughout the day, visitors can explore a wide range of activities and entertainment, including:

• Cosplay and character encounters: Costumes are encouraged but not required. Guests can dress as their favorite characters, take photos at the event photobooth, and encounter roaming Star Wars characters from Star Wars Indiana. Transformers meet-and-greets will also take place throughout the day.

• Creative workshops: Learn cosplay techniques during an interactive EVA foam bracers workshop led by cosplay duo Molly Silver and Isabella of FruitGoblin Cosplay. Comic fans can explore the art of storytelling and illustration with artist Ray Brown, while additional hands-on activities will give attendees opportunities to make their own fandom-inspired creations.

• Live music: Enjoy performances by il Troubadore, a musical group featuring music from anime, video games, television, and movies, as well as Forward Motion musicians Eric Salazar and Ashton Vickery performing music from the Legend of Zelda series for clarinet and piano.

• Gaming for every kind of player: Try a new tabletop game, playtest a game design or revisit an old favorite in the open gaming room with Who’s Yer Gamers and Indy Tabletop Game Creators. Attendees can also enjoy the GameStar Mobile video game truck, learn to play Dungeons & Dragons, and participate in scheduled trivia and video game tournaments.

• Artist Alley and Marketplace: Browse and purchase fandom-inspired art and other unique creations from local artists and vendors and connect with community organizations in the LibraryCon! Community Corner.

• Family-friendly activities: Families can enjoy crafts, a scavenger hunt, storytime with the Circle City Ghostbusters, and more. Guests who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a prize drawing, with a special holographic sticker available for participants who complete the activity.

LibraryCon! will also feature a Versiti blood drive, giving attendees an opportunity to help save lives while enjoying the event. Blood donors will receive HEPL-branded swag and a free book. Food trucks and a mobile coffee cart will be available with options for purchase for guests who want to grab a bite or a drink during their visit.

Select activities require advance registration, and registration is recommended for others. For the full schedule of activities, workshop details, registration information and a complete list of artists, vendors, and participating organizations, visit hamiltoneastpl.org.