Imagine a place where Batman and Moana collided. A setting where you could run into Skye from Paw Patrol and Wonder Woman in the same day. You can get your photo take at Dumbledore’s desk, or turn yourself into a zombie – all for free.
Well, it’s your lucky day. All those things are possible at the 2nd annual MyDMPL Con! It’s your chance to step inside a world where all fandoms are encouraged to show their colors. It takes place this coming Sunday, May 5, from 1:00-5:00 PM, at the Central Library.
Last year, more than 1,500 people attended the first every MyDMPL Con. Whether they were planting a Baby Groot, creating their own magic wand, or learning the ways of the Force during a performance by Jester Puppets, attendees loved the “family-friendly festival for all fandoms.” In year two, there have been some changes made in order to make it bigger and better.
This year, the meeting rooms will have drop-in activities going on all afternoon, rather than activities over a set time. “Last year, we had one Harry Potter activity,” says Paige Knotts, Youth Services Librarian. “It was incredibly popular, so we responded this year by having Harry Potter activities all day in one meeting room.”
Meeting room one will have activities involving LEGOs, My Little Pony, and Paw Patrol activities. It’s the perfect room for the little tykes to spend all afternoon moving around in. Meeting room two is the previously mentioned Harry Potter room. You’ll be able to find your Patronus, create your own Remembrall, and have a great photo opportunity.
“One of our librarians is a huge Harry Potter fan,” says Jen Thomas, Library Assistant. “She has a ton of memorabilia, including a full replica of Dumbledore’s desk.” The desk looks straight out of the movies and will certainly be a popular place on Sunday.
Meeting room three is a one-stop shop for teens and tweens. There will be retro video games, manga crafts, origami, and more. Also back this year – the popular zombie cosplay course. Don’t be surprised to see several of the undead wandering the library again this year!
Another new thing this year – we’re expanding outside. There will be face painting, portrait sketching, and the luchadores will be back. This year, they’re setting up a ring outside and giving demonstrations on what goes on inside of the squared circle.
Some of your favorite book and movie characters will be returning as well, including Wonder Woman, the Dark Knight, Merida, Elsa, and Moana. Also back – the popular green screen photos. Last year, families lined up to get their photos taken on the sets of their favorite movies and TV shows. The green screen especially amazes little kids.
“It’s really fun to take their picture and show it to them, and they’re like ‘Wow!’” says Knotts. “This year, we’re in a larger room, so there’s space to get whole families together.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be MyDMPL Con without the costumes. From wizards and witches to Ninja Turtles to a little Jane from Tarzan, we had tons of fun last year with all the creative outfits. It’s almost like Halloween in May! If you want to dress up, you can find some simple cosplay ideas online.
The concept of MyDMPL Con is simple – it’s a family-friendly festival for all fandoms. Best of all, it’s free.
“It’s a fun thing to do for any age,” says Knotts. “There will be lots of library staff there to help you find the things you want to do, check out books, and more.” Since it’s a Sunday, street parking downtown is also free, making it easy to find get around downtown and find a spot. Don’t forget – you can also park in the parking garage under the library. Listen to the embedded podcast, featuring Paige Knotts and Jen Thomas, at the top for more information about MyDMPL Con, and check out dmpl.org/mydmplcon. See you Sunday for MyDMPL Con!
Schedule of Events:
Meeting Room 1: Play and create with LEGO, My Little Pony, and Paw Patrol activities.
Meeting Room 2: Go to Hogwarts! Find your Patronus, create your own Remembrall, and visit Dumbledore’s desk.
Meeting Room 3: Play Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. and other video games. Participate in zombie cosplay, manga crafts, and origami.
Youth Area: Roaming superheroes, Jester Puppets, princesses, and characters from Paw Patrol
Imagination Station: Green screen magic
Café: Tables from the Science Center, IPTV, and Lena D Artistry
Outside: Luchadores, face painting, and portrait sketching.
- Guests:
- Rosie Reader and Miffy
- Sky and Marshall from Paw Patrol courtesy of Storybook Adventures
- Several Disney princesses, courtesy of Little Princess Parties
- Wonder Woman and the Dark Knight, courtesy of the Iowa League of Heroes
Last Modified April 20, 2024
Type:
My DMPL