LPL Con 102

The Con Experience 2: Leveled Up

Spring is in the air, the birds are chirping, and it's time for another LPL Con, opens a new window! This year is our fourth year of putting on this event, and I'm just as excited to bring it to you all this year, as we did last year.  Last year, I wrote a blog about LPL Con basics, opens a new window (the events will be out of date, but there's some great info in there). But this year might not be your first LPL Con, so I wanted to up my LPL Con info for y'all.

Every year, we try to up our game, and this year is no exception. We've nailed putting on a library con 101, and we're ready to bring you 2.0 or LPL Con 102. So what makes this year's con bigger and better than last year? Let me give you the inside track on all things amazing at LPL Con 2026. You too will feel like you have leveled up!

The Morning

LPL Con 2026 starts off in the early morning with a whole slate of events just for younger kids. If you've got a toddler who you can't keep out of a Spiderman costume or a princess dress that is tattered at the hem from too many wears, those kiddos are going to be THRILLED with our morning events. Geared towards those under 11 years old, the morning starts with a Super Storytime, opens a new window, followed by a Cosplay Parade, opens a new window (we'll walk around the library to show off our cosplays), then end with a craft in the Readers' Theater and a Character Meet & Greet, opens a new window in the Auditorium where you can meet expert cosplayers as they portray some of your favorites from fandom.

The Afternoon

I don't want to brag too hard, but holy cow do we have an awesome line up of programs for everyone on Saturday afternoon. Starting at 12:30 PM, we have a program happening every half-hour up until we close at 6 PM. We've got two AMAZING graphic novel creators, Pedro Martín , opens a new windowand L.L. McKinney,, opens a new window coming to share about their art and process; a Sesame Street performer and puppeteer, opens a new window giving behind-the-scenes information about one of the most recognizable shows of all time; plus a KPop Demon Hunters Dance Party, opens a new window with KU Karisma. Last but not least, we're ending with a Cosplay Runway just for kids, opens a new window! And if you're looking for a change in scenery, you can always head downstairs to see an incredible lineup of panelists, opens a new window who are ready to share their insight and knowledge!

All Day

Just like last year, you can browse vendors, meet amazing cosplayers, and shop the Spring Book Sale, opens a new window! With over 25 vendors and artists in our Vendor & Artist Alley, opens a new window, you’re sure to find something that will tickle your fandom fancy. Plus, we'll have bubble tea ALL DAY LONG with HiTea selling a limited menu in the lobby, opens a new window just for LPL Con attendees. We've got fun activities in the Children's area, and if I listed everything LPL Con has to offer this year, opens a new window, you'd honestly stop reading this blog. It's so much. And it's all for you! 

The most awesome part of LPL Con is the truly wonderful feeling of being in a place full of people just as excited about nerdy things as you are. We can't wait to introduce you to our new mascot, Connie the Phoenix, and celebrate another year of all things nerdy! Can't wait to see you there 🙂

—Lauren Taylor is a Senior Children's Librarian at Lawrence Public Library.