By Smarty Guest Blogger, Lonna Vines, a Children’s Librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Join the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library on Saturday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at ImaginOn for our 4th annual ImagiCon. This free festival celebrates the culture surrounding comic books, graphic novels, manga, anime, fandoms and gaming. The program is for ages 0-18 and their families, and its aim is to provide a safe space for those interested in exploring this literary genre.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is where many young people are first introduced to comic books through the graphic novel and manga collections housed at all twenty branches in Mecklenburg County. ImagiCon aims to recognize and celebrate this interest in comics and grow the audience for the collection. Below are just a few of the many exciting things happening throughout the day. All room locations mentioned are located inside ImaginOn.
ImagiCon will have something for everyone in your family!
Ages 0-7
Superhero Storytime will kick off our programming for young children at 10:30 a.m. in Spangler Library. Preschoolers and their families are invited to enjoy superhero stories, songs and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of superheroes. Be sure to stick around after storytime for bubbles with Darth Vader and to allow your little one to design their own cape and mask.
Ages 8-11
There will be plenty throughout the day for preteens, including a LEGO panel presented by the NC LEGO Users Group at 12:00 p.m. and Superhero Story Explorers at 2:00 p.m., both located in The Round. But one of the most exciting parts of the day for this age group will be the Minecraft Escape Room happening in The Block at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ages 12-18
Teen con-goers will be thrilled by the diversity of programs designed specifically for their age group. We will have a variety of Cosplay 101 workshops throughout the day, including a Steampunk Escape Room in Studio C from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will also be a LGBT in Media and Comics panel at 11:00 a.m. and a Victorian Japan panel at 2:00 p.m., both in the Board Room. Other activities for teens include karaoke, gaming, maker space activities and a photo booth.
All Ages
Browse the many artist and author tables, get your face painted and win prizes. Parents are invited to a panel titled Parent’s Guide to Anime, to help you decide what’s appropriate for your family. Harry Potter fans of all ages are invited to join us in Diagon Alley for wand making and pictures with the Hogwarts Express. All attendees are invited to join us for a cosplay parade at 3:00 p.m. Parade walkers will meet in The Round at 2:30 p.m. to create parade signs and to be placed in line. See you there!
To view the full schedule of events, please visit our online calendar.
