At the entrance of the anime expo, Patty Wong warmly welcomed every attendee entering the Santa Clara City Library on October 12. The library hosted a vibrant Comic Con that drew numerous families and anime enthusiasts. Many fans arrived in costumes representing their favorite characters, while parents brought their kids dressed as Transformers and Ninja Turtles. Several anime artists and illustrators interacted with the crowd, and Star Wars fans showcased interactive lightsabers and a moving R2-D2 robot.
The event featured numerous anime-themed booths, including Deluxe Sabers, a workshop specializing in creating various Star Wars lightsabers. Not only can these lightsabers change colors, but they also allow for light dueling. A group of dedicated Star Wars fans from the “Bay Area Droid Builders” brought beloved robot characters R2-D2 and BB-8 to life. The life-sized R2-D2 was a hit, capable of moving around the venue and greeting visitors, prompting many to snap photos with it.
The expo was packed with activities: inside, attendees could browse various exhibition booths and take photos with famous characters such as Barbie, Transformers, Snoopy, and even the Toys “R” Us giraffe. Outside, there were craft booths, a rocket launch station, and dance lessons, providing an array of engaging experiences for everyone.
Patty Wong, the library director, expressed her excitement about this year’s Comic Con, stating it was the best ever. “So many people came to the library to share joyful moments,” she noted, highlighting the smiles on the faces of attendees dressed as their favorite characters. She extended her gratitude to all the staff and volunteers whose hard work made such an incredible event possible, as well as to the supporting foundations and every participant who attended.
John Schlosser, the library’s information director and one of the primary organizers of the event, dressed as a Toys “R” Us employee that day.
One Taiwanese parent who brought her family to the expo remarked that it was their first time attending the library’s Comic Con. She initially thought it would focus solely on anime, but was pleasantly surprised by the variety of activities and booths available. “It’s not just for anime fans; it’s a great outing for families,” she said. Her children, particularly excited to see the Elephant & Piggie characters from their favorite picture books, thoroughly enjoyed taking photos with the costumed characters, making it a fun experience for both kids and adults alike.
The event successfully attracted over 10,000 visitors, showcasing the library as a central hub for community engagement and celebration of pop culture.
