Fandom frenzy is at Mandel Library in May

THIS POST IS BEING UPDATED FOR 2024

You are invited to help celebrate “all things geek” during its fourth annual “May the Fandom Be with You,” a Comic Con-style monthlong event featuring dozens of free programs, contests for all ages, including tabletop gaming to comics and, yes, also Anime.

Fandom covers a lot of territory, from Korean boy bands, K-Pop and Disney to Dungeon & Dragons or Japanese monsters and mascots; plus graphic novels and more. And this genre isn't just for children and teens. Many of these activities are also for adults who enjoy gaming and other fandom pursuits.

So, if you're a fan of pop culture, check out these activities for different age groups at the Mandel Public Library, 411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Visit the Library's online calendar for even more activities.

These events include a Star Wars takeover, tabletop gaming workshops, a discussion on Baldur’s Gate, a create-your-own mini Godzilla, a chance to learn about the connection between superheroes and Jews, and even in-person pin trading.

May the Fandom Be With You Reading Challenge

Wednesday, May 1 – Friday, May 31, 2024

Register at mandelpubliclibrary.beanstack.com

FREE

Adults can earn free comic books or fandom novels by participating in the May the Fandom Be With You Reading Challenge. You earn a book on your first bingo and on blackout! Log your reading into the Beanstack Tracker app to be eligible for the books. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

The following outlines the complete calendar of events for May the Fandom Be With You, organized by programs for adults, teens and children.

The Mandel Public Library is also featuring a May the Fandom Be with You Reading Challenge where adults can earn free comic books or fandom novels; an opportunity to create your own comic book during the Comic Book Class Series on May 11 & 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and an opportunity to celebrate 50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons on May 11.

The month concludes with a mega May the Fandom Bash on May 25, featuring a day full of programs and experiences that include a Disney World News Update with pin trading, a Cosplay Contest for adults and even an Artist Alley in the afternoon featuring a meet and greet with local artists.

Complete schedule included below. For more information and to register for all events, which are free and open to the public, please visit wpb.org/maythefandom2024. For more information about all Mandel Public Library programming and services, please visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

ADULT PROGRAMMING

Ongoing:

May the Fandom Be With You Reading Challenge

Wednesday, May 1 – Friday, May 31, 2024

Register at mandelpubliclibrary.beanstack.com

FREE

Adults can earn free comic books or fandom novels by participating in the May the Fandom Be With You Reading Challenge. You earn a book on your first bingo and on blackout! Log your reading into the Beanstack app to be eligible for the books. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Date Order:

Make your own Godzilla! Sculpture Class

Monday, May 6

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Studio 411, 2nd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Join local artist Freddy Hennevelt and create your very own miniature Godzilla! This clay class will allow participants to try their hand at sculpting figurines out of polymer clay. This class is designed for adults 18 and over. Registration is required and begins one week before the session. For more information or to register, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Design and Print a D&D Miniature

Friday, May 10

2 – 4 p.m.

Computer Lab, 2nd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Learn how to use TitanCraft to design and 3D-print your Dungeons & Dragons character. Come chat with other D&D players while working on your design! Not all projects will be printed in the allotted class time; pick-up will be available within one week. Intermediate computer skills and registration are required. For ages 16 and up. For more information or to register, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7760.

Comic Book Class Series – Make Your Own

Part One: Saturday, May 11

Part Two: Saturday, May 18

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Technology & Innovation Center, 2nd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Get the creative ideas out of your head and into comic book format! We'll help bring your characters and story to life by teaching you the steps necessary to prepare for publishing.

Part One: “Create Your Story, Characters & Script”

From rough sketches to character development, you will create a finalized character design, story timeline, and script!

Part Two: “Create Your Pages of Sequential Art”

We'll help bring your characters and story to life by teaching you the steps necessary to prepare for publishing. You will work toward creating sequential pages of your story. Focus will be put on the page layout.

Intermediate computer skills and registration are required for each class. For ages 16 and up. For more information or to register, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7760.

Star Wars Takeover with the 501st Everglades Squad

Saturday, May 11

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pre-function Lobby, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

The library is being taken over by the Star Wars costume group, the 501st Everglades Squad. Meet and greet with some of your favorite Star Wars characters at their home base on the 3rd floor or patrolling through the library. Adults are encouraged to visit the 4th floor to pick out one or two free Star Wars books. They will be available all day while supplies lasts. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons

Saturday, May 11

1 – 2 p.m.

Clematis Room, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons. Join Dr. Isabella Norton and Samantha Kountz to discuss how this tabletop role-playing game has lasted this long and brought people together. Some participants will go home with a set of dice! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Being a Better Player

Saturday, May 11

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Clematis Room, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Want to learn how to be a better player at a Dungeons & Dragons table? Join Dr. Isabella Norton and Samantha Kountz as they discuss tips and tricks for being a better player. Some participants will go home with a set of dice! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Disney Pin Trading

Sunday, May 12

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Reference Desk, 4th Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Disney fans, stop by to complete your pin collection or start a new one! Come trade a pin for a pin at the 4th floor Reference Desk. Bring your Disney Parks enamel pins to trade, drop them into our pin collecting box, and then select your new pins from our special pin board! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Fandom Trivia

Monday, May 13

6 – 7 p.m.

Auditorium, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Can you be the very best? Like no one ever was? If so, bring your team of four to our trivia event! Fandom Trivia will have categories ranging from Star Wars, Doctor Who, Pokémon, and many other fandoms. Winners will get to pick a book or graphic novel from our prize cart! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Comic Books and the Jews

Friday, May 17

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Florida Room, 4th Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Superman, Batman, The Green Hornet, and Moses what do they all have in common? This class, led by local Jewish expert Andy Greenberg, will turn these superheroes and more into Jewish icons for all of the world to cherish and admire. Learning who created them and why will allow you to draw a connection you never thought possible. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

The Rise of Baldur’s Gate

Saturday, May 18

1 – 2 p.m.

Clematis Room, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

The 2023 Game of the Year was Baldur’s Gate, and it earned that title. Join Dr. Isabella Norton and Samantha Kountz as they discuss why the game was so successful, how the NPC’s brought in the community, and how their response time helped it soar. They will discuss how this game has created future expectations on new video game releases. Some participants will go home with a set of dice! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.orgor call (561) 868-7701.

Being a Better Game Master

Saturday, May 18

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Clematis Room, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Want to learn how to be a better game master at a Dungeons & Dragons table? Join Dr. Isabella Norton and Samantha Kountz as they discuss tips and tricks for being a better player. Some participants will go home with a set of dice! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Fandom Flick — Star Trek: The Next Generation

Sunday, May 19

1 – 4 p.m.

Clematis, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

“No goodbyes. Just good memories,” as they said on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Come relive or gain new memories by watching the first two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

Make your Own Star Wars Character! Sculpture Class

Monday, May 20 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Studio 411, 2nd Floor Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

Join local artist Freddy Hennevelt and create your very own miniature Star Wars figure! This clay class will allow participants to try their hand at sculpting figurines out of polymer clay. This class is designed for adults 18 and over. Registration is required and begins one week before the session. For more information or to register, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

FANDOM-May the Fandom Be With You Bash!

Saturday, May 25

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

We're ending our month-long celebration with a BANG! POP! WHAM! Join us for a final day of fun! The excitement begins with: “Disney World News Update” with pin trading at 10 a.m. and continues with “Books, Spice and Everything Nice” at Noon; “Marvel Fandom Flicks” at 10:30 a.m., and Cosplay Contest for adults at 2 p.m. You’ll also be able to visit our Artist Alley to meet & greet with local artists. Items will be available for purchase. Throughout the day you’ll also be able to drop in and have some fun with board games in the Iris Room. We hope to see you and some fantastic costumes on May 25! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7701.

TEEN PROGRAMS

Anime Club

Saturday, May 25

2 – 3 p.m.

TeenSource, 2nd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

For teens and tweens in grades 6 -12. May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, so let’s celebrate Ani-May! Stop by and discuss your favorite anime shows. From My Hero Academia to Studio Ghibli movies, let’s get hyped over new anime! For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7705.

Yu-Gi-Oh

Friday, May 31

3 – 4 p.m.

TeenSource, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

For teens and tweens in grades 6 –12. It’s Time to Duel! Do you have what it takes to demonstrate your dueling skills and come out on top?! Bring your Yu-Gi-Oh cards to show others, trade, and battle. Don’t have cards or know how to duel? No worries, we will have crafts activities and teach you how to duel. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in TeenSource at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7703.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Jedi Fun

Saturday, May 11

9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

KidSpace, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

For families with kids of all ages. Calling all Padawans! Is the Force strong with you? Drop by KidSpace throughout the day to enjoy fun, self-led Star Wars-themed activities. Watch LEGO Star Wars, do a Jedi-themed craft, and take part in a Force-filled scavenger hunt in the children’s library. In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for the Star Wars costume group the 501st Everglades Squad. Meet and greet with some of your favorite Star Wars characters at their home base on the 3rd floor or patrolling through the library from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or (561) 868-7703.

LEGOmania

Saturday, May 25

9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

KidSpace, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

For families with kids of all ages. Join us for brick building fun! Create a LEGO masterpiece, watch LEGO movies, do a craft, and play with our giant blocks during this self-led, drop-in program. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7703.

Disney Movie Marathon

Sunday, May 26

1 – 4:30 p.m.

KidSpace, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

For families with kids of all ages. Join us in KidSpace for some fun Disney movies. Coloring sheets will be provided. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7703.

Bilingual Disney Cuentos and Play

Monday, May 20

4 – 4:45 p.m.

KidSpace, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

For families with children up to age 5. Join Ms. Claudia in this drop-in session to celebrate Disney fandom in this space to enjoy stories, or cuentos, in Spanish and play some games together. Bilingual stories and games aim to make new connections with the Spanish language and spark children’s imaginations. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7703.

Yu-Gi-Oh

Friday, May 31

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

KidSpace, 3rd Floor

Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, 411 Clematis Street

FREE

For fans ages 6-11. It’s Time to Duel! Do you have what it takes to demonstrate your dueling skills and come out on top?! Bring your Yu-Gi-Oh cards to show others, trade, and battle. Don’t have cards or know how to duel? That’s ok, we will have crafts/activities as well as learn how to duel. Space is limited, and in-person sign-up begins in KidSpace at 1 p.m. For more information, visit wpbcitylibrary.org or call (561) 868-7703.