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# All-Ages Pop Culture & Fandom Event

Dust off those capes, grab your favorite set of dice, and start your next adventure downtown at the Main Library on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. You're invited to an all-new event inspired by library comic cons of the past. It's a celebration of all the books, comics, video games, TV shows, and movies you love with cosplay contests, one-shot D&D sessions, video game tournaments and so much more! 

Over the last few months, we've been reaching out to fellow readers, movie lovers, gamers, and local creators to bring something truly special to downtown Jacksonville. 

We're geeking out about all the possibilities!

# A Note About Parking (for Attendees) 

Street parking is free downtown on the weekends. There will be a $5 fee for event parking in the Duval Street Parking Garage (located at the corner of Main Street and Duval Street), which is due upon entry. All attendees must enter the Main Library through the entrance on Laura Street. The Conference Center (special event) doors on the Main Street side will be closed for this event.

# Schedule of Events

# Special Guests & Performances

• D∑VINE K-Pop Dance Crew will dance to K-Pop favorites from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (First Floor)
• Gator Clowns of Jax will be twisting balloons from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Second Floor Atrium)
• Check out 30+ local authors, artists, makers, and vendors (First Floor)
• Rebel Readers presents two storytelling craft workshops (Conference Level)
  • 1 - 2 p.m.: Join us for a read-aloud of The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, followed by a mask-making activity (ages 5-14)
  • 3 - 5 p.m.: Learn the "Elements of Comics," followed by a comic-making activity (ages 15+)

# Programs, Events & Activities

# Costume Contest - 1st Floor (Zimmerman Overlook)

Cosplayers: Show off your favorite costume for a chance to win cool prizes (and bragging rights). We want to see everything from superheroes and space wizards to movie monsters and original D&D characters. Our friend and local cosplay celebrity, Sew Geek Mama (Candy Keane), will be emceeing the event! There are two age divisions and prizes for first, second, and third place prizes in each.

• Registration from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Youth Division Contest (ages 5-14) from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Teens and Adults Competition (15+) from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

When you arrive, register at the Information Desk (between the Gallery and the Zine Zone).

Please be aware of Library policy, specifically the Code of Conduct, while attending the event. Costumes, cosplays, and general attire must provide the same level of body coverage expected under the Code of Conduct. If you have questions related to costumes, cosplay weapons, and other props, please read the instructions and guidelines at the bottom of our event listing.

Library staff or security personnel may inspect any item or costume at any time. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in immediate removal from the event. If you have questions, please visit the Security Desk inside the Library during operating hours before the day of the event.

# Tabletop and Video Gaming

• Super Smash Bros. Tournament from 3-5 p.m. in the Teen Room (ages 12-18)
• Anime & Games Lounge - 11 a.m. - 5 pm in the Lounge at 303 North (teens and adults) 
  • Watch fan-favorite anime episodes and check out our collection of board games.
• Play Dungeons & Dragons (and other tabletop RPGs designed for teens and adults) in the Center for Adult Learning (Conference Level)
• Game on and give back with Extra Life (a program of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals)
  • They'll have Super Smash Bros., Tekken 8, Guilty Gear, and Street Fighter 6. Entry is FREE - with unlimited access to tournaments and a "casual play" option. They'll be set up in the Multipurpose Room (Conference Center) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. View the tournament schedule and sign up on here! Note: For tournaments, please show up at least 15 min before the scheduled start time.

# Programs for Children

Join us in the Children's Department (Second Floor) for one of three programs:

• Superhero-themed Little Readers (storytime for ages 0-5) at 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m.
  • Attendance is limited and is first-come first-served. Please arrive early. Check-in starts 30 minutes before the start of the program.
• STEAM & Stories (reading and hands-on activities for ages 5-12) from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 
  • Get ready to make! In STEAM & Stories, we read an exciting story and then participate in a hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math activity inspired by the book. Note: Pre-registration is strongly recommended.

# Teen Program

• Teen Advisory Board: Mythological Madness - 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (Teen Room)
  • Are you a fan of Percy Jackson and the Olympians? Geek out with us about Greek mythology, Rick Riordan's books, and the new hit series on Disney+! It's a crash course at Camp Half-Blood, where you can sharpen the special skills you'll need to succeed in the battles ahead. You could even come dressed as your favorite demigod or demigoddess!

# Drop-In Activities & Experiences

• Dragon Ball Celebration (Book Display) - Conference Center
• Saturday Morning Cartooning - 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (First Floor)
  • Are you a comic creator? Find your community and practice your skills. This is a regular meetup of local comic artists and writers where they share ideas and resources, cheer each other on, and collaborate on projects. Join them at Jax Pop Con (and every other Saturday).
• Silent Book Club Reading Hour & Activity - 12 - 2 p.m. (Courtyard, Second Floor)
• Jeopardy-Style Pop Culture Trivia -  2 - 4 p.m. (Conference Center) 
  • Are you well-versed in pop culture? Know someone who knows a little too much about anime? Assemble your team (up to 8 people) of comic fans, book nerds, movie buffs, and video gamers!
• DIY Green Screen Photos - in the Conference Center (all day)
  • Use your favorite app to take awesome cosplay photos and add any background you want!
• Scavenger Hunt in the Children's Department (all day)
• Button Maker - in the Conference Level Learning Space (all day)
• Sensory Sensitive Space - Take a break in a quiet room on the Conference Level. You'll also find fidget tools and other sensory items (all day). 

# Special Guest Spotlights

Thank you to everyone who applied for a table! Applications closed on February 15. Between now and the day of the event, we'll be creating spotlights here and on social media for some of the special guests, cosplayers and artists who will be in attendance!