Leonardtown Lexicon Comic‑Con: free, volunteer-driven community event draws families and local partners

Eric Ruiz, assistant branch manager for youth services at the Leonardtown Branch Library, presented photos and a program overview of Lexicon, the library’s free Comic‑Con–style community event. Ruiz said Lexicon is intended to provide a Comic‑Con experience for people who cannot afford commercial conventions and to be accessible to all ages.

Ruiz described typical offerings: vendor tables for local artists, trivia and craft activities, a prize vault filled largely with donated items, a cosplay contest judged for costume craftsmanship and stage presence, a Superhero Trading Academy obstacle course for young children, and photo opportunities including a green screen. He said the event typically runs from noon to 4 p.m. in September and is free to the public.

The program has included authors and speakers: Ruiz said Lev Grossman participated by Skype for free, and author Jason Frey attended and charged a modest speaker fee (Ruiz said the library paid about $250). Ruiz credited community partners — including a local comic shop (Third Eye), volunteer costume groups (500th/501st and Rebel Legion) and library photography staff — for helping create a high-quality experience.

“Lexicon is our library Comic‑Con, convention… what we wanted to do was create a Comic‑Con‑like experience for people that can't afford to go,” Ruiz said. Ruiz also highlighted that most prizes are donated and that volunteer contributors — including staff families and local artists — make the event possible.

The trustees thanked Ruiz for the presentation. No formal board action was required on the program.