Don't Miss the Free LIBCON Erie Saturday at Blasco Library

Welcome to LIBCON Erie!

LibCon Erie 2023 is a free, family-friendly event featuring comic books, graphic novels, gaming, panel discussions, cosplay creations, and much more. Come celebrate what you “geek” at the library!

LibCON Erie started in 2015 when the Erie County Public Library partnered with The GeekErie to transform the library into the Erie Library Comic Con. Over the next four years, the number of programs, prizes, artists, vendors, and participants grew into an annual family-friendly celebration of comic culture and arts.

This year's event is a stellar lineup of contests, free events and much more, with the penultimate event happening Saturday, April 29. Get all the details:

Art Contest

Show off your art skills in the LIBCON Erie Art Contest! The 2023 theme is Heroes & Villains.

The contest is open to all ages and accepted mediums are Pencil/Pen, Paint (of all kinds), Digital Art, Pastels, Charcoal, Crayons, Markers, Fiber Arts, 3D Prints (original designs) and Ceramic.

Deadline for submissions: April 20th.

Find complete rules and submit entries here!

Cosplay Contest

This is an open-genre costume contest, meaning there are no restrictions regarding the source material. You must be pre-registered for the cosplay contest! Fill out the registration form at the front check out desk on April 29th by 2:30pm to enter!

This contest is open to all ages, and there will be prizes in three sections: Adult, Teen and Youth.

Click here for all the rules and more details!

Blasco Library

Teen Cosplay Party | 6-9pm I Blasco Teen Space 

Are you ready hang out and share your favorite cosplay? This free, teen only, after library hours, cosplay party is hosted by the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and supported by The Friends of the Erie County Public Library.  Our theme is the Enchanted Forest, but you can dress up as your favorite character from comics, books, anime, video games or wherever your geeky heart lives.  Costumes are not required but remember, it's not the costume that counts — it's the love and affection that went into dressing up.  We will have craft stations, music, snacks, games, a photo booth, and more! 

Teens will be expected to stay for the entire program and will not be permitted to re-enter if they leave early. Costumes are not required.  You must be 13-18 years old in grades 8-12.  Registration and permission slip are required to attend. 

Register here! 

Blasco Library 

Cosplay Workshop: LED Lighting and Costume Finishing I 6pm I Idea Lab 

Join local cosplayer John Fleming for a series of cosplay workshops. How to incorporate easy LED lighting and how to put your armor together for wear or display. This class will assist with using prebuilt LED light kits to enhance the look of any cosplay. Also learn how to properly fit and assemble armor and cosplay pieces. This is a intermediate level cosplay project. Ages 12 to Adult. 

Register Here

Lincoln Community Center Library

Miniature Painting I 5-6pm  

Join us to paint your own miniature figure. Perfect for role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder. Registration required. All ages welcome.

Register Here

Lincoln Community Center Library

Create your own Board Game l 6-7:30pm  

Design and create your own board game based off the classic Candyland game model, but add in your own twist. Then show off your creation and test it out! Registration required. One kit per person. If you are creating only one game as a group or family, please register only ONE person in your group.

Register Here

Edinboro Branch Library 

Superhero Tiles I 6:15-7:15pm  

Make your own decorative tile. Using permanent markers and a ceramic tile engraved with the Idea Lab’s Glowforge, you can make a colorful super design! Registration required.    Ages 6 to Adult. 

Register Here

Millcreek Branch Library

Miniature Painting I 6-7pm  

Join us to paint your own miniature figure. Perfect for role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder. Registration required. All ages welcome.

Register Here

Blasco Library

Fandom Earrings I 4-5pm I Community Classroom 

Show off your favorite fandom with custom earrings made with the Idea Lab's laser cutter! Registration required. Ages 12 to Adult. 

Register Here

Blasco Library

 K-Pop 101 I 6-7pm I Storytime Room 

So, you've heard about this "K-pop" thing and want to know more. Or maybe you already know about K-pop, but want a little more context before diving in to the fandom. Don't worry! We've got you. Librarians Libby and Jillian are here to guide you through the magical world of K-pop. Learn the lingo, see why people are still buying physical albums, and maybe find some new groups to stan along the way. Recommended Age: 10+ 

Blasco Library

K-Pop Trading I 7-8 pm I Storytime Room 

Join Libby and Jillian as they discuss what to look for when trading K-pop items. Bring your own items to trade with other K-pop fans. Make a K-pop themed button to take home. No registration required. Ages 10 to Adult. 

Blasco Library

Let's Play Dread (RPG) I 6-7:30pm I Teen Space 

Games that go bump in the night! Join us for the horror role playing game, Dread. Instead of using dice, this role playing game uses Jenga. We will play a round and then give some suggestions for you to make your own Dread story. Registration required. Ages 13-18

Register Here

Lincoln Community Center Library

Superhero Master Builders l 3:30-5:30pm 

Calling all master builders! Are you ready for some superhero themed fun? Will you make an action packed scene, a secret hideout, or a cool super vehicle!? Show off your building powers at Master Builders. Patrons are welcome to dress as their favorite superhero or fandom character. Prizes for best dressed in category of children, tweens and teens. Ages 5-17

Lincoln Community Center Library

Bowsers Quiz Show I 5:30-6:30pm 

Bowser stole all of your fun prizes! In order to get them back, we need to take on his trivia challenge. Work as a group to defeat Bowser and to get the prizes back before we lose three lives! Registration required. Patrons are welcome to dress as their favorite superhero or fandom character. Prizes for best dressed in category of children and tweens. Ages 6-12 

Register Here

Lincoln Community Center Library

 Superhero Tiles I 6:30-7:30pm  

Make your own decorative tile. Using permanent markers and a ceramic tile engraved with the Idea Lab’s Glowforge, you can make a colorful super design! Patrons are welcome to dress as their favorite superhero or fandom character. Prizes for best dressed in category of children, tweens and teens. Registration required. Ages 6 to Adult. 

Register Here

Iroquois Avenue Branch Library

Mario Planter I 6-7pm  

Stop in to make a piranha plant planter craft and then plant a seed for the spring! Ages 5 to Adult. No registration required. Available while supplies last. 

Click here for more details about LibCON Erie 2023!

Blasco Library

History of Comics l 2-3pm I Community Classroom 

Join us as we discover the origin of comics! From ancient artwork through the blockbuster adventures we see on the big screen, this visual art of storytelling has taken many forms over time and around the world! Together let’s explore highlights of the evolution of the comics.

Blasco Library

Super You! 6:30-7:30pm I Storytime Room 

Drop down to design your own super hero mask and comic book!  Make your own button and collage your initial with cut up comic books. While supplies last.  Ages 3-12 No Registration Required.  

Blasco Library

Video Game Publishing Whitethorn Games I 6-7pm I Community Classroom 

Meet Whitethorn Games, a local indie game publisher that focuses on games anyone can pick up and play. Some of their staff will be at the library to go over the ins and outs of game publishing. Thinking of making your own game? Come with questions! No registration. All ages welcome. 

Blasco Library

Super You! l 2:30-3:30pm l Storytime Room 

Drop down to design your own super hero mask and comic book!  Make your own button and collage your initial with cut up comic books. Ages 3-12 No Registration Required.  While supplies last. Ages 3-12 No registration required. 

Blasco Library

Fandom Earrings I 3-4pm I Community Classroom  

Show off your favorite fandom with custom earrings made with the Idea Lab's laser cutter! Registration required. Ages 12 to Adult. 

Register Here

Blasco Library

Custom Dice Bags I 6pm I Community Classroom 

Make you own stylish dice bag for all your dice hauling needs. Choose from a variety of designs on the Cricut and then iron -on your one of a kind design.  Ages 10+

Register Here

Blasco Library

Cosplay Tea Party I 2:30-3:30pm l Story Time Room 

Come dressed up as your favorite character, or in any costume you please! If you came to either Super You event, feel free to wear the mask or button you made! We will have drinks, snacks, and activities. All ages welcome! Registration required. 

Register Here

Lincoln Community Center Library

Superhero Tiles I 10am-12pm 

Make your own decorative tile. Using permanent markers and a ceramic tile engraved with the Idea Lab’s  Glowforge, you can make a colorful super design! Ages 6 to Adult. 

Register Here

Lincoln Community Center Library

Game Afternoon I 3-4:30pm 

Stop in and try out a new board game, or two. Will you survive the exploding kittens, make the best plate of sushi with Shushi Go, or go on a train filled adventure with ticket to ride? No registration required. All ages welcome.

This is the BIG DAY! All events at Blasco Library

Dungeon Master Boot Camp I 10-11am I Second Floor Game Zone 

Learn the ins and outs of being a Dungeon Master for a Dungeons and Dragons  campaign. Find out where to get pre-written campaigns, how to make maps, world building tips and more. Ages 10 to Adult. No registration required. 

 Down & Derby with Erie Roller Derby I 10-11am I Hirt Auditorium  

Come meet the skaters of our local WFTDA derby team!  Learn about the team's history in Erie and how the sport is actually played versus its portrayal in pop culture! All ages welcome. No registration required. 

Board Game Bash I 10am-4pm I Second Floor Game Zone 

Stop in and try out a new board game, or two. Will you survive the exploding kittens, make the best plate of sushi with Shushi Go, or collect the most treasure with Greedy Dragons? No registration required. All ages welcome.

Miniature Painting I 11am-3pm I Second Floor Game Zone 

Join us to paint your own miniature figure. Perfect for role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder. No registration required. All ages welcome. Available while supplies last. 

Dungeons and Dragons Session I 11am-3pm I Second Floor Game Zone 

Come play a short Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Pick a character and role some dice! Registration required, only one session per visitor due to limited slots.  Register at the Board Game table on April 29th. Ages 10 to Adult. View the Game Zone Table for more information.

Costume Crafts I 11am-1pm I Community Classroom 

No costume no problem? Stop in to make a crown or mask craft. Pick out a temporary tattoo to put on. All ages welcome no registration required. Available while supplies last.

Mini Nerdy Storytime I 11am & 2pm I Storytime Room 

Join us for a short storytime featuring stories and activities from nerdy fandoms. All ages welcome. No registration required.

 Slim and Red 12-1pm I Hirt Auditorium

Join Slim and Red for a nerdy theme song compilation. They are a two-piece indie nerd band with influences from life and love to comics and Tolkien. 

Face Painting with Taradoodles I 12-2pm I Children's Library 

Get your geek on with some fandom fun face paints by Taradoodles.  All ages welcome. Free and no registration required. Face painting will end promptly at 2pm. 

Button Making I 12-3pm I Idea Lab 

Come make a button to celebrate LIBCON Erie! Choose from a variety of designs or find an image from a comic to use. No registration required. All ages welcome.

Magical Tile Art I 12-3pm I Idea Lab  

Join us to make magical themed tile art! Choose between a dragon, unicorn, potion, crystal ball, fairy or hydra design. Use a ceramic tile, engraved by the Idea Lab's Glowforge, and some sharpies to make a piece of unique art. Open to all ages. No registration required. Available while supplies last, one tile per person. 

Video Game Bingo I 1-2pm I Community Classroom 

Join us for a game of video game themed bingo. From Minecraft to Mario play the classic BINGO game with your favorite video game characters. There are prizes to be won! All ages welcome. No registration required.

Fandom Fight Club I 2-3pm I Hirt Auditorium  

Fandom Fight Club is a whole lot of fandom and a little bit of Fight Club - library style. The teens match head to head in a fast debate about which fandom is better. Teens will register ahead of time for a choice of their topic.  Some of the match ups included Batman vs Superman and Harry Potter vs Percy Jackson.  Cosplay and props of your favorite fandom are encouraged. Anyone can come to watch the debates and vote for their favorite to win!  No registration required.

Cosplay Contest I 3-4pm I Hirt Auditorium 

Check out all of the amazing cosplay creations at the Cosplay Contest. Please visit the Cosplay Contest tab for details on how to enter. All ages are welcome to enter or watch the contest. Winners in each age group will receive a prize.

Find out more about LibCON Erie now!