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Raks Geek Wookiee Bellydancers helped entertain the crowd.
By Kelly White
Comic book lovers gathered together in one common space earlier this month.
Oak Lawn Public Library hosted its eighth annual Fan Fest, an all-ages celebration of pop culture, on May 11 at the library, 9427 S. Raymond Avenue.
“It’s wonderful to see the community come together in celebration of shared interests,” Elaina Dague, Assistant Department Head of Technical Services at Oak Lawn Public Library, said. “No matter what you’re a fan of, there’s something for you to enjoy at the library.”
This was a family-friendly event for all ages and the library had plenty of activities planned for youth, teens and adults.
The day provided an opportunity for the community to come to a local event without having to drive far or spend a lot of money, and still get the all-day comic-con experience, library staff members said.
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A replica of the Batmobile made an appearance at the library Fan Fest.
Fan Fest highlighted these attributes with an all-ages celebration of pop culture and free comic book day. The all-day event featured cosplay contests, crafts, games, free comic books, mobile escape rooms, character appearances, local vendors and artists, raffle prizes, airbrush tattoos, a cartooning class, Jedi training, an all-day photobooth, an exhibit hall, a visit from the Batmobile and a Wookiee belly dance performance.
“We wanted to bring a comic convention experience to our community through the library,” Dague said. “Patrons did not have to pay for admission or travel across the country to participate. It was free and it was local. You were able to get all the fun without the barriers to access associated with a typical convention.”
The free event featured a performance by the Raks Geek Wookiee Bellydancers, cosplay competitions, DIY galaxy jars, miniature painting, and an all-day photobooth.
Returning this year again was a popular favorite, Exhibit Hall.
“In addition to celebrating pop culture, we also spotlighted talent in our community,” Dague said. “In our Exhibit Hall, patrons could explore local vendors, artists, collectors, writers and organizations.”
Mark Anderson, also known as Andertoons, led a cartoon drawing class for young artists. Kids could also get airbrush tattoos, participate in a scavenger hunt and take pictures with some familiar faces during the space character meet and greet.
Throughout the day, teens were able to enjoy tabletop games, along with additional outdoor activities such as morning sessions of the mobile escape room and an afternoon visit from the GameTruck. Teens were also asked to keep an eye out for special surprises, like a chance to see the infamous Batmobile.
Oak Lawn Public Library’s Fan Fest 2024 was presented by the Friends of the Library and sponsored by Alive Church, Bookie’s Book Store, Express Med Spa, Galloping Ghost Arcade, Image Comics, JB’s Pops, Mendez McDonald’s, Olivia Carpenter Real Estate, and Oni Press.
Comics were generously provided thanks to Blerds Underground.
Fan Fest started at the library in 2015. Staff did not host one in 2020 due to the pandemic and a virtual reading challenge in honor of Free Comic Book Day was held in August of 2021. Fan Fest happily returned in person last year.
In 2023, Fan Fest attracted about 600 participants and staff were excited to exceed that amount this year and reach pre-pandemic numbers.
Clik here to view.
Oak Lawn Public Library hosted its eighth annual Fan Fest, an all-ages celebration of pop culture on May 11 at the library, 9427 S. Raymond Avenue.