Post-convention writeup: Library Cons (Patreon)

Thought I'd just do a post-convention write-up of my experiences so far at library conventions. This info is most vital for small press comic artists. 

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Last year I did my very first library convention in Idaho at the Boise Library Comicon (BLCC), and yesterday my second one at our first local alternative-press library con, Peninsula Library Comic Arts Fest (PLCAF). 

What is a library con?

Library conventions are conventions hosted by a library, and held either in or around a library/ library system. They're usually run by librarians and aimed at library patrons, ie lovers of books. 

Library conventions range in size to tiny local affairs to some of the biggest conventions around (TCAF is the largest comic-centric conventions in North America, and hosted by the Toronto Public Library). Tables rates at these conventions can range from free to average rates. Most importantly, library cons are free to the public, which means a lot of foot traffic from your most important demo: people who read. 

What is the difference between library cons and other conventions?

It's sort of rare to find a comic convention that is purely comic-centric nowadays. Most comic branded conventions are actually media conventions, oftentimes with a big focus on television and movies and actors and other fan-stuff. It's possibly they started out with comics in mind (SDCC for example), but oftentimes comics are relegated to a corner of the showfloor with media and games and other entertainment taking up the rest of the footprint. 

Library cons, by comparison, have a big focus on books and readers. Even at some of the biggest conventions for artists, such as ECCC, it's hard to find people in those massive crowds who actually want to read comics, especially for folks who make webcomics, zines, or other indie publications. On the other hand, libraries are almost exclusively visited by people who want to read books, especially families and younger readers who prefer comics as their gateway to literacy. 

What are the pros and cons of attending library cons?

Pros: To draw crowds, library comic conventions will often fly in "big name artists" to give talks and do workshops... for example, at PLCAF, they had a very legit lineup including Mariko Tamaki, Nidhi Chanani, Svetlana Chmakova, and a lot of others. Authors like these who operate on a national circuit are often big draws and can help you if you're a smaller attending artist, and meeting them in this smaller setting can often be an incredible networking opportunity for you.

Obviously the demographic of readers is great, and honestly, the family vibe of library cons is tremendously positive. I had such a good time yesterday that I am still kind of glowing. This kind of small, intimate convention is the perfect place to attend if you're a con novice who wants to get their toe wet without dealing with the more rude attendees you might encounter at entertainment cons. 

Services-wise, all libraries have free wifi so yeah haha that is amazing if you need to take cards at the venue. Also librarians tend to be very nice and helpful people to talk to. And of course, if you're attending a local con, basically zero cost of travel/ shipping and it's great to meet your local art scene and make some friends.

The biggest pro for me is networking with librarians and selling them my work. I had a hard time getting my local library system to carry my work by inquiring online, because the library system is huge, and I had no idea who to talk to. Yesterday finally I managed to make some irl contacts and get my book in circulation, and even sold some books to a local highschool library. It's awesome to know that my comics can actually reach patrons who might otherwise never have encountered it.

Cons: The big drawback is that it's potentially not the best place to go to make money, if you're looking for a weekend payday. Depending on the convention, it might only be operational for a few hours of the day (PLCAF was 4 hours only), and if you get unlucky, something like bad weather or poor advertising could possibly make it a wash. Crowds are smaller, and often skew younger or older (kids and families). If your work is extremely sexy, violent, gory, or just not easy to pitch to this demo, you might not have a good time. But from what I've been seeing, everything else seems to be a good bet. 

How do I find out if my library is holding a convention or comics festival?

I love Conosaurus, and I didn't even know about PLCAF (despite it being held like 10 mins from my hometown) until I saw it listed there. So you could keep your eye open there. But probably the easiest way is just to go to your local library's info desk and ask. While you're there, don't be shy about asking them about who manages their collections, or if they'd be interesting in adding your work to your library system! Most libraries I know of normally purchase books through distributors, but ARE open to buying books from individuals (usually by credit card only, and you will need to be able to send them a receipt, so use Square or something similar). Some libraries are now maintaining zine collections as well! Really forward-thinking institutions.

Comics are becoming a very important slice of modern literature, and libraries are rising to meet the demand through new services. So if your library doesn't do this yet, can't hurt to ask :]

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Anyways, just some stuff I've been learning recently! I was actually asked to possibly come give a workshop at my hometown library because I was able to network at this con, so no matter what don't be afraid to put yourself out there and see where things go.