Pop Con/Pop Madness
San Antonio Public Library, Texas
Innovation Synopsis
Pop Con/Pop Madness is the San Antonio Public Library’s comic con. It is a celebration of popular culture focusing on creators of content such as authors, artists, writers, crafters, game designers and showrunners. There are activities for all ages and everything is free to the community.
Challenge/Opportunity
Pop Con/Pop Madness aims to bring new users to the library, highlight the library’s connection to pop culture, and offering free access to artists, authors and activities that are usually only available to those with the means to pay. This event is a great way to expand the library’s programming boundaries by bringing in a new and diverse group of patrons, creating community connections and changing the public’s perception of libraries.
Key Elements of Innovation
Pop Con/Pop Madness is the culmination of months of planning by a committee of SAPL staff members from across the system. Critical process steps included:
- Committee member formation and assignment to various areas — e.g., author, artist, anime, gaming, cosplay.
- Guest selection — past guests include Charlaine Harris, Ilona Andrews and Sera Gamble.
- Comprehensive marketing plan development.
- Logistical plan development that maximizes available space as well as engages all staff, volunteers and participants.
Achieved Outcomes
Over 3,100 patrons attended in 2020. Attendance has consistently grown in the three years that this event has been offered. Feedback is positive and SAPL made connections with new patrons, creators and community groups interested in working with SAPL in the future. 2020 guests included:
- Authors — Charlaine Harris, Christopher Golden, Martha Wells and David Liss.
- Artists — Jeffrey Alan Love, Kiri Ostergaard Leonard, Babs Webb and Coop.
- Sera Gamble — Showrunner/writer for The Magicians and Supernatural.
