Looking for something fun, different, and free to do with your kids this May? Nerd Out at the Library is a month-long celebration happening at Erie County Public Library branches, packed with fandom-themed programs for kids, teens, and adults.
This article is sponsored by the Erie County Public Library.
This is not a comic con with vendors or booths. This is a full month of creative, themed library events with crafts, trivia, games, book clubs, cosplay, contests, and hands-on activities.
Why families will love it
- Free programs all month long
- Events for kids, teens, adults, and families
- Multiple library locations across Erie County
- A mix of drop-in fun and special registration-only events
- Prize tickets, contests, and reading challenges throughout May
What kinds of events are included?
Nerd Out at the Library includes a huge mix of fandom-friendly fun, including:
- Crafts & DIY
Tiny robots, spellbooks, sun catchers, miniatures, cosplay accessories, and more - Books & Reading
Graphic novel bingo, Star Wars and Marvel book clubs, fantasy reads, and reading challenges - Games & Trivia
Pokémon Club, Doctor Who Trivia, Super Smash Bros, tabletop gaming, and more - STEM & Maker Fun
Scratch coding, Arduino basics, 3D printing, science activities, and Idea Lab projects
Just a few of the standout events for families
You definitely do not need to do everything. Here are a few especially fun-looking options to put on your radar:For kids & tweens
- Graphic Novel BINGO — May 2
- Build a Tiny Tin Robot — May 2
- Saturday Storytime: All About Japan — May 9
- Pokémon Club — May 16
- Miniature Painting — May 23
- Children's Cosplay Party — May 30
For teens
- Teen Marvel Book Club — May 6
- Fandom Fight Club — May 9
- Escape From Space — May 18
- Super Smash Brothers Tournament — May 21
- Dungeons & Dragons programs — May 23
- Teen Cosplay Party — May 30
For all ages / families
- Adopt a Fantasy or Science Fiction Creature — May 5
- Cats Across Fandoms — May 11
- Wooden Sci-fi Characters — May 11
- Make a Mini Spellbook — May 12
- Make Your Cyberpunk Portrait — May 16
For adults
- Book Club: Legends & Lattes — May 5
- Let’s Play The Quiet Year — May 6
- Fantasy Felting — May 15
- Magic: The Gathering — May 26
- Read & Roll: Dire Days — May 28
And that's just to start! See the entire Nerd Out at the Library schedule.
Don’t miss the Nerd Out Challenge
Kids, teens, and adults can earn prize tickets during the month by participating.
- Attend Nerd Out events
- Enter the Art Contest (2026 theme: Fantasy & Sci-Fi)
- Enter the Fanfiction Contest
- Complete the Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
Good to know before you go
- Programs are all free
- Some events require registration
- Some drop-in activities are available while supplies last
- Programs are held at different Erie County Public Library locations
- Children under 15 typically need to be supervised by a guardian
Where it’s happening
Events are taking place throughout the month at several branches, including Blasco, Edinboro, Iroquois, Lincoln, and Millcreek.
Best bet: Browse the full schedule and pick a few that match your kids’ ages and interests. If your crew is into Pokémon, Marvel, Star Wars, cosplay, fantasy, crafts, or gaming, there is a very good chance there’s something here they’ll be excited about.
Want to go? Check here for the full schedule and registration details for any programs that require sign-up.
