Front Royal Comes Alive at SamiCon 2025 — A Celebration of Imagination and Community

Samuels Public Library was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, September 20, as it celebrated the 10th anniversary of SamiCon — an annual pop culture celebration that has grown from a one-room event to a full-library takeover. This year’s theme, A Decade in Motion, spotlighted the colorful world of animation, from beloved Disney classics to anime icons and everything in between.

Library Executive Director Erin Rooney and Adult Reference Manager Kaitlyn Leckliter toured the Royal Examiner around the library, showcasing the many stations, activities, and creative spaces that made SamiCon 2025 unforgettable.

Visitors of all ages came dressed as their favorite characters, with costumes ranging from Minecraft hybrids to Studio Ghibli soot sprites. “We’re celebrating 10 years of SamiCon this year, and it’s all about animation,” said Rooney. “We’ve done themes like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings—but this time, we really wanted to embrace everything that moves, from anime to cartoons.”

A Library Transformed

Throughout the day, more than a dozen themed stations and activity zones welcomed attendees. At the entrance, the circulation desk was transformed into “Shrek Swamp,” helping to promote National Get Your Library Card Month. Guests who showed their library card earned a stamp toward raffle entries for donated prizes, a popular feature of the event.

Inside, kids and adults alike created soot sprite crafts with the Girl Scouts of Warren County, explored LEGO cityscapes and Front Royal landmarks built by the local LEGO Users Group, and tried their hand at clay animation.

At the adult reference desk, visitors encountered a replica of the One Piece pirate ship and could view prizes up for grabs. “We want people to explore the whole library,” said Leckliter, who coordinated this year’s event. “Every activity gives you a stamp, and more stamps mean more chances to win prizes.”

Meet the Creators

SamiCon also gave guests the rare opportunity to meet with local and nationally recognized creators.

Jonathan Roth, author of Almost Underwear and Rover and Speck, hosted a workshop in Studio 330, teaching kids how to create their own graphic novels. Later in the day, Zita the Spacegirl author Ben Hatke held an author talk, with a room full of eager young fans listening to his creative process.

Nearby, KC Johnson — Emmy-nominated animator for The Simpsons — and comic book illustrator Drew Edward Johnson shared their art and stories with attendees. “We’re working on episode 800 this season,” Johnson said. “People still love The Simpsons, and it’s fun to show them how it’s made.”

Also on display were the works of Megan Croft, a local artist whose prints help raise money for Camp No Limits. “I started painting in the hospital as therapy,” she shared. “Every piece has a story behind it.”

Makers, Vendors & Community Partners

Craft vendors filled several areas of the library, showcasing handmade items like crochet plushies from Dropped Stitches by Suz and 3D-printed miniatures by local creators 3D for Thee and 2 Crafty B’s.

Meanwhile, community groups like the Rebel Legion (a Star Wars fan organization), a local LARPing team, and the Warren County Office of Elections and Voter Registration offered hands-on experiences. Rebel Legion members posed for photos and interacted with Star Wars fans of all ages, while the LARP group hosted potion-making demos and outdoor adventures in the library garden.

Gaming was another highlight, with stations offering Dungeon Dice Monsters board game demos, Nintendo Switch games, and miniature gaming sessions hosted by One Page Rules.

Technology Meets Tradition

Studio 330, the library’s digital creative lab, was open for tours and demonstrations all day. Coordinator Tina Claflin explained that the studio helps patrons convert old media formats like VHS, 8mm film, and cassette tapes into digital files. “We help people overcome the fear of using tech,” Claflin said. “It’s one of the best parts of the job.”

Next door, the escape room challenge, titled “Escape from Sami’s Cinema,” was a major draw. Participants had 20 minutes to solve clues, unlock puzzles, and retrieve a missing movie reel. “So far, everyone’s made it out,” Leckliter said. “One group with just three seconds to spare!”

Community, Creativity, and Cosplay

The Friends of Samuels Library kept guests fueled with concessions, including hot dogs, honey buns, and cookies, while volunteers ran scavenger hunts, tattoo stations, and more.

From collaborative art displays to families geeking out over rare LEGO builds, the event was a clear success. Rooney estimated the attendance could match or exceed 1,400 visitors — a strong comeback following years of pandemic disruption.

And for some, like Kaitlyn Leckliter, it was a meaningful first. “This is the first SamiCon I’ve coordinated,” she said. “I just hope I’ve done it justice.”

What’s Next?

As the day came to a close, costumed kids still buzzed with excitement, raffle prizes were being drawn, and smiles filled every corner of the building.

“It’s about making the library more than just books,” said Rooney. “It’s about creativity, imagination, and community — and today showed that.”

Samuels Public Library hosts events like this throughout the year. Up next? A book sale, author visits, and even a spooky program on local ghosts at the Blue Ball Inn in October.

For now, the staff and volunteers behind SamiCon 2025 can celebrate another successful year of bringing stories to life.

Watch the Royal Examiner tour SamiCon 2025.