May the force be with you, along with some free comic books.
The 10th annual Fan Fest 2025 that was held Saturday at the Oak Lawn Library not only marks National Comics Book Day, but also celebrates superheroes and other assorted local creatures.
The initial event was held to link National Comics Book Day with attracting visitors of all ages to visit the library and entice guests — especially youngsters — to read. So, the idea of passing out free comic books on this day was born.
Library employee Zac Frazier was monitoring the free comic book display on Saturday and said it attracted a large following.
“We have been busy all day,” Frazier said. “There is a lull right now but they have just kept coming. But people have been very nice and cordial.”
The fest has grown over the years and that was not lost on library associate Remi Cabal. She worked as a guide during the event to inform visitors of upcoming activities during the day.
“I have been to a lot of these conventions dating back to when I was 13, but I must admit I was quite shocked at how many people are here,” said Cabal, who has worked for the library for just over a year. “This event is very involved. My co-workers were excited about this and we have been preparing for a while. Working here makes us feel good. All the costumes are pretty amazing.”
Isra Abbas was another guide directing visitors at the fest. This is her second year taking part in the event and she noticed a big difference this year.
“I definitely noticed that there are more people here than last year,” Abbas said. “A lot of people are coming in here today.”
The fest featured plenty of activities on all three levels of the library. The lower level had a variety of vendors selling a wide assortment of items with many of them dressed in costume.
This was the first visit to Fan Fest for illustrator Laura Reyes, who had a table on display. A resident of Aurora, she is employed at the Aurora Public Library. She had a variety of illustrations and designs featured, which included a book on witches.
“I found out about this through a friend,” Reyes said. “I just wanted to get out here and see what this is all about. There are far more people than I thought would be here. It is fun.”
Panels were set up to provide information about library activities or discuss comic book heroes. Visitors could also have their photos taken with cardboard figures of Darth Vader, Princes Leia and Aquaman.
Activities were not limited to just inside the library. Vendors dressed in Renaissance attire were accessible on the Village Green. Games for kids to play were also being held outside. A mandolin player walked throughout the library and performed for guests.
Competitions were also held during the day and prizes were awarded. Library officials said that this pop culture fantasy draws a large crowd that keeps them coming back after the festival ends.
“It just keeps getting bigger every year,” added Abbas.
