Be prepared, mere mortals! The time is near when Lac La Biche's Stuart MacPherson library is going to be invaded by all kinds of superheroes and super villains. Locals will soon get the opportunity to let their alter-egos fly, so dust off the costumes and capes because Library Con is taking over the local library.
Over the past few years, there has been an explosion in attendance and enthusiasm for comic book conventions around the globe. At the same time, graphic novels have become one of the most sought after genres at libraries. It's no surprise, , that comics-themed events at libraries are also drawing crowds.
That is why the Lac La Biche's Stuart McPherson Public Library is gearing up for their fourth Library Con early this year. The event will be held on Saturday, January 12, from 11 AM to 3:30 PM.
Bethany McClintic is a Circulation Clerk at the library and one of the main organizers for the event this year. She assisted her colleagues with last year's event — kind of like a trusty sidekick — and this year has taken most of the responsibilities upon herself, like the main hero.
And while there may not be a lot of BAM! WAP! & POW! ... the full day event will be action packed enough for local comic book fans.
"It's kind of like a small scale Comic Con, we have an author coming, there will be some games including Magic the Gathering, comic books, costume competitions and some other things...so it's a fun community event," said McClintic.
Natasha Deen is the author making the appearance in this year's Library Con. The Edmonton-based author specializes in a wide range of interests and audiences, from children and teen specific genres to young adult junior fiction and short stories. Her latest books focus on various topics for young adult readers ranging from the paranormal and mystery to crime fiction. Her latest book, Terminate, is for more mature readers and focuses on a secret fight club hidden withing downtown Vancouver. Her motto is "Changing the world, one story at a time,"
Up , up and away
Library Con has been gradually growing and it is a great way to allow new readers to come through the library doors, said McClintic.
"We get usually 150-200 people and we have always been trying to grow it," she said McClintic.adding that a character costume competition also draws interest.
"We have a costume contest and there is different age categories for that."
Fun & Games
The event can also be something to look forward to for gaming enthusiasts — board games and digital — as well. Library staff will be offering role playing board games as well as virtual reality gaming on game consoles.
"We have some new games on our VR, we do have gaming technology, we have and Xbox and a Wii, one of those will be probably going for Minecraft, and we are going to have Legend of Zelda, the new Breath of the Wild game ... so there will be lots of gaming and lots of fun," stated McClintic.
The library staff encourages everyone in the community to come and check out this fun event. The event is free, and is intended as a great way for like minds to connect and socialize in a fun gathering.
"There's going to be fun prizes for the costume contest, there will be lots of comic books to check out. There's people that will come out to sell loose leaf tea, some jewellery is going to be for sale...and the author is coming. There's going to be a lot of gaming going on, and there will be crafts for kids as well, so it will be a fun day," said McClintic.
