Over the past few years, there has been an explosion in the 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.
Lac La Biche's Stuart MacPherson public library also joined in the hype and hosted their fourth annual Library Con on Saturday, January 12, where all sorts of super heroes and super villains geared up, teamed up and invaded the local library. The full day event was filled with activities for book readers, gaming enthusiasts and superhero fans.
Natasha Deen inspiring kids with her words in her presentation, "How to create a Superhero"
The Edmonton based author, Natasha Deen also made an appearance for the second time in this year's Library Con. She talked to kids about inspiration and how everyone is a superhero and the world is a super villain. They don't need to have super powers or do something extra ordinary to be appreciated.
"If we listen to today's super villain world that says, unless we do something big and life changing, unless we are like the next Oprah or whomever, and somehow we don't count, irritates me and makes me angry, because the big things only ever happen when you are talking about the little tiny things," Deen stated, "I think sometimes we need to do is find that core and find the things that makes us happy and just be like, sorry, sorry World if you can't understand us because the basic humanity of just being kind to each other is the most remarkable superpower of all."
Circulation Clerk Vanessa Arfmann dressed as a Sorceress was in-charge of the costume contest. Winners will be announced next week
Mel Hohn, who is an illustrator from Edmonton also added to the fun with her presence. She showcased her illustrations and drawings at the event and also, held an illustration workshop at the Library's multi-purpose room. There, Hohn taught a group of kids how to make their own comic story by picking a character that they like, present them with a problem and get the character to fix it. The kids seemed to enjoy drawing and came up with their own original comics.
Edmonton based illustrator Mel Hohn in an illustration workshop with the kids teaching them how to create their own comic story
It wasn't all work for the kids at the event. There were some fun and games too— both board games and digital. While Lucien Cloutier from Wetaskawin presented the famous role-playing board game, Magic The Gathering, there were also some digital games for the youngsters to enjoy on different consoles. Legend of Zelda's new breath of the wild game was on Wii for the day, Minecraft on the Xbox 360 also seemed to be very popular, and a number of other different games to choose from on the PC and the VR.
A group of superheroes were located playing board games at the library
Apart from games, there were kids crafts workshop with Joanne Wicker, who is the Children's programmer at the library. Teen crafts were at one of the study rooms with the library's ILL Clerk, Cynthia Laboucane. Three Edmonton based entrepreneurs showcased their tea selling business called Infini-tea at one of the booths, while another part-time entrepreneur from Lac La Biche's Ula La Designz also showcased her jewellery at the event.
Kristy Arsenault— Admin Assistant at the Library doing Kids craft with Pikachu
Three Edmonton based entrepreneurs showcase their tea selling business called Infini-Tea at the event
Ms. Diesel a local entrepreneur dressed as an elf at the convention to showcase her jewelry business called Ula La Designz
Maureen Penn is the library's Director. She was grateful for the turn-out from locals at the library con and talked about why such events are important in small towns like Lac La Biche.
"Small towns have the same likes and fandoms as big city kids, and Edmonton Public Library would've been the closest comic con event if it wasn't for the local library con. There is also another big event like this in Calgary which is even further away... So, it's important to have such an event locally so kids from the region can come to and enjoy," said Penn.
Mayor Omar Moghrabi was also present when Boston Pizza manager Devon Wheaton presented a $1200 cheque to Library Director Maureen Penn and Library Board Chairperson Loraine Anderton
Mayor Omar Moghrabi was also present when the event ended with a cheque presentation donated by Boston Pizza. The cheque for $1200 was presented by the restaurant's manager Devon Wheaton to the library director. Penn was grateful for the donation by the local business and talked about how it will help the library.
"I want to thank Boston Pizza of this generous donation. It will be used for our teen and youth programming including the next Harry Potter themed Escape Room on Friday, June 7th," said Penn.
Apart from other upcoming events like the Chika Chika Book Club, Lego Competition and more, the next big event that the library staff is looking forward to is the Health and Wellness Fair on March 14.
