The return of Librari-Con

In 2007, Cumberland County Public Library hosted its first Librari-Con, a mini-convention celebrating anime, comic books and science fiction. The library was one of the first in the country to present an anime mini-convention, and a couple of staff members even wrote a how-to guide that was included in a library reference book.

The inaugural Librari-Con was so popular, it turned into an annual event held every Labor Day weekend Saturday for 13 years. The restrictions caused by COVID-19 resulted in Librari-Con going virtual in 2020 and 2021, and it went on hiatus in 2022.

But this year, the library is thrilled to announce that Librari-con will return as in-person event on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Headquarters Library, 300 Maiden Lane in downtown Fayetteville.

The free, family-friendly convention will feature a gaming lounge hosted by Stop Button; cosplay runway; and workshops and discussion panels with special guests. Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library will sell used anime and fandom books.

Leading up to the convention, the library holds an art contest to choose Libby, the Librari-Con mascot. Contestants submit their original artwork of their version of Libby and Chibi Libby. This year’s contest winner is Kayla Gilliam.

Panels, sessions and participants will include:

• Nerd Slam, hosted by Lejuane Bowens.
• Cardboard Cosplay with Missy Lang.
• Chibi Corner with crafts and games for younger kids.
• Artemis Space Bridge Simulator.
• Sweet Tea Shakespeare.
• Aaron Mehaffey’s popular Comics Out Loud.
• Avatar’s Jasmine Dragon Tea Brewing.
• Laura Mehaffey’s “What the HECK Did I Just Read?” and “Hot Take: The Book Was Worse.”
• Gamer’s Guild and Game On! Card & Coffee, hosting various games.

The Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion will also make an appearance, as it has since the first Librari-Con in 2007.

Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters from anime, video games, television and film. Sign up to participate in the Cosplay Runway, where you’ll walk the runway and strike an in-character pose in your costume. Costume guidelines are listed on the Librari-Con guide at  cumberland.lib.nc.libguides.com/Librari-con. This site also features a photo gallery of the past Librari-Cons.

For more information about Librari-Con and all the other programs at your public library, call 910-483-7727, stop in at any of our eight locations or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/library.

Kohnee Harmon is branch manager at the North Regional Library.

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