Celebrate your favorite media and fandoms this April at LPL Con!
Inspired by Comic Con in San Diego or New York, Anime Expo in California, and Kansas City's Planet Comicon, Lawrence Public Library is bringing back LPL Con — a free fandom convention experience at the library — for the fourth year in a row.
“Cons typically focus on any ‘alternative’ entertainment like comics, anime and manga, movie franchises like Star Wars and DC/Marvel — fandoms like that. We're excited to offer a free, accessible, and welcoming con right here in Lawrence!" said Hannah Parks, Youth Services Children’s Librarian.
Why Host a Con at the Library?
Everyone is a nerd about something, and libraries and cons are spaces where your curiosity can be joyfully and unapologetically explored. Our library staff — inspired by their own niche interests and a love of learning — dedicate their careers to sharing those interests with the community. As experts and enthusiasts in their specialized fields, librarians have more experience engaging directly with eager fans than most.
“Libraries and conventions both act as conduits — they connect people to each other, to storytelling, and to art,” Parks explained. “Why do libraries host art galleries? Why do they hire performers and musicians? Because they are a hub for creation and learning. This is where the missions of libraries and cons intersect.”
Holding LPL Con at the library also offers attendees the chance to browse library materials that suit their interests — from graphic novels, superhero comics, and manga to video games, movies, and TV show box sets. Whether a seasoned con-goer, avid cosplayer, or a curious community member, there is something for everyone at LPL.
Attendees will have opportunities to learn from writers, illustrators, cosplayers, panelists, vendors, and other special guests. You can also purchase gently-used books, movies, and more from the Library Friends & Foundation, treats from some of Lawrence’s best eats, and fandom goodies and art from local vendors.
What to Look Forward to at LPL Con 2026
Like in past years, LPL Con 2026 will have two event dates: a teens-only night on Friday, April 10, opens a new window, and all-ages events on Saturday, April 11. From 6–9 PM on Friday, the con will feature teen-only events and activities, including gaming (both tabletop and console), a fandom artist alley, and a cosplay runway with prizes awarded by professional cosplayers.
But the teens aren't the only ones who get their own special timeslot. This year, Saturday morning will feature LPL Con for Kiddos, dedicated to our littlest cosplayers, crafters, and fans of all things proudly nerdy. Kids can enjoy a super special storytime for all ages (with a special guest appearance), a cosplay parade, some super crafts, and our annual Character Meet and Greet, where they will get to say hi to all sorts of magical and superpowered characters.
“Cons are usually more geared toward adults, and some cons have reputations for being particularly not family-friendly. This is why the family-friendly aspect of LPL Con is so important to our audience,” Parks said. “Parents see a con that they feel safe bringing their children to. I know a few teens whose first introduction to the library was Teen Con night, and they now regularly attend Teen Zone programming and have joined our D&D group.”
Saturday afternoon will feature events for all ages, including expert-hosted panels, regionally and nationally recognized cosplayers, the fandom artist alley, a cosplay contest, and workshops, like Pokémon 101, where aspiring Pokémon trainers can learn how to play the Trading Card Game (TCG). This year's con is also being headlined by YA author and comics writer L. L. McKinney, opens a new window (writer for Wonder Woman and Black Panther), who will be hosting a workshop about writing for comics, and graphic novelist Pedro Martín, opens a new window (author-illustrator of Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir), who will be leading a workshop about drawing for comics.
This year's con also introduces Connie — our new LPL Con mascot. You'll be able to find this fiercely adorable phoenix throughout the con during our scavenger hunt, but you'll also be able to take her home! For a minimum donation of $10, you can purchase a limited edition 2026 Connie hard enamel pin. Only 100 of these pins will be produced, and the design is exclusive to LPL Con 2026, so if you want this striking souvenir, you'll need to pick it up at the con!
We hope to see you at LPL Con on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11. Enjoy the weekend, learn a little more about the con scene, check out your favorite books, films, TV shows, and video games from our collection, and unapologetically celebrate the media you love! Whether you go to cons all the time or this is your first one, you’ll be sure to find plenty to pique your interest.
About Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn, connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff. The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers. All are welcome.
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Event Details
LPL Con — Teen Night | FRI, Apr 10
LPL Con — All Ages Day | SAT, Apr 11, opens a new window