HWAH goes to EMCon Animefest

Leslie and Lolly at EMcon 2026.

All the cool kids know that libraries are filled with “hidden” adventures, but at the

East Meadow Public Library in Long Island, NY the adventure greets you at the door in a wig and a cape. You're suddenly pulled into an awesome joy ride packed with artists, storytellers, community, and at least one alien encounter!

Lolly made friends with a Xenomorph. They're slimier in person!

EMcon's Super Origin Story

Lolly and I were invited to "play" and be guest judges at the 16th annual EMCon Animefest by founder Kelly Gordon, who also acts as the library's art director and head of public relations. He said it all started as a community outreach idea, aiming to celebrate artists and bring all ages together with their love of storytelling and art of various styles. Members from the existing anime club he ran even jumped on board to help him get the word out. Sixteen years later and it’s one of the most popular events of the year!

“It feels more like a family reunion than just a local event.“ EMcon founder Kelly Gordon

Kelly said what sets this Con apart is that students come back years after they've graduated. He loves knowing that these young people who have gone out into the world to make a difference come back to celebrate and stay connected to their community. I could definitely feel that strong sense of family and belonging when I was there.

Stories Galore...ies

Personally, I have been to A LOT of comic cons, but this one was my favorite because of the community VIBE!

I sat at a table and drew a bunch of spontaneous characters, giving them away to anyone who could write a story about them. I couldn’t draw fast enough because the stories were beyond amazing! Imaginations were in high gear and I loved every moment of it.

But what inspired me more than the made up stories was the compelling real life stories that people shared with me. I asked them about what brought them to EMCon and what inspired their cosplay. I’m not gonna lie I cried several times that day...for all the right reasons!

Set A Course for EMcon!

The East Meadow Public Library is a hub for joy and understanding. It's a community center that builds connections for all ages through book clubs, live podcasts, author visits, music, computer access, movie nights, general research, and FREE books!

Libraries are the coolest, and it’s thanks to superheroes like Kelly Gordon sharing their passion for art on a community level that makes them even more amazing! Thank you Kelly for inviting Lolly and me to be part of the EMcon Animefest team, I can’t wait 'til next year! (But I don’t think I could judge the cosplay contest again...it was too hard!) Also, special thank you and shout out to “It Came From the Radio” for a really fun panel (see below, top right picture)!

Stay connected to your community and check out your local library!

HeARTfully yours,

Leslie Carrara-Rudolph

Copy edited by Emily Donmoyer