John Schlosser, an avid anime fan, has decorated his office with numerous anime posters and figurines. He enthusiastically showcases his favorite Gundam model kits, reflecting his deep passion for the anime community. On October 12, the Santa Clara City Library is hosting its biennial Comic Con from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Central Park Library. This event, initiated by library staff who share a love for anime, offers a free alternative to the high-cost major anime conventions, aiming to serve the local community. The event is family-friendly and is expected to draw nearly 10,000 attendees.

As attendees enter the library, they are greeted by a stunning, nearly two-story mural of a Mario gaming scene that immediately captures attention. Each large anime poster and directional sign in the venue is handcrafted by Bruce McGuire, another dedicated librarian involved in organizing the event.

John Schlosser, the library’s information services director and one of the event’s organizers, has devoted his personal time to bring this anime exhibition to life, fulfilling a childhood dream. Growing up in Texas, he developed a strong passion for anime, yet there were few conventions available. It wasn’t until he moved to California after college that he discovered the San Diego Comic-Con, the largest comic convention in the U.S. After attending, he became hooked and has remained a loyal fan ever since.

However, for many teens and children, traveling to San Diego for an anime convention can be prohibitively expensive. Schlosser and the library staff aim to recreate the experience within the library, making it accessible for families and encouraging kids to fall in love with reading through comics. “If a young anime fan can’t afford to go to a real convention, they can come here with their family—it’s free,” Schlosser shared, emphasizing how the event can bring joy to the community and foster connections among residents.

The library is set up with various well-known anime, displaying American Marvel superheroes like Iron Man and the Hulk, alongside a striking Nintendo Mario mural. Recent popular manga like “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” can also be found within the venue. The large-scale decorations and gaming props have been crafted by the librarians themselves, including Bruce McGuire, who expressed his delight in creating such a significant free event for local children and the community.

The event promises a variety of activities, including panels with renowned authors, anime game zones, Gundam model workshops, Harry Potter Quidditch matches, cosplay contests, and an Egyptian escape room. With different activities suitable for all ages, attendees can meet comic book writers like Francisco Jimenez, author of “The Circuit,” and Thien Pham, author of “Family Style: a Memoir.” The event also features contributions from the Snoopy and Charles Schulz Museum and Phuong-Mai, an Asian artist who founded the anime brand PMBQ.