Looking for something fun, different, and free to do with your kids this May? Nerd Out at the Library is a month-long celebration happening at Erie County Public Library branches, packed with fandom-themed programs for kids, teens, and adults.
This article is sponsored by the Erie County Public Library.
This is not a comic con with vendors or booths. This is a full month of creative, themed library events with crafts, trivia, games, book clubs, cosplay, contests, and hands-on activities.
Why families will love itFree programs all month longEvents for kids, teens, adults, and familiesMultiple library locations across Erie CountyA mix of drop-in fun and special registration-only eventsPrize tickets, contests, and reading challenges throughout MayWhat kinds of events are included?
Nerd Out at the Library includes a huge mix of fandom-friendly fun, including:
Crafts & DIY
Tiny robots, spellbooks, sun catchers, miniatures, cosplay accessories, and more
Books & Reading
Graphic novel bingo, Star Wars and Marvel book clubs, fantasy reads, and reading challenges
Games & Trivia
Pokémon Club, Doctor Who Trivia, Super Smash Bros, tabletop gaming, and more
STEM & Maker Fun
Scratch coding, Arduino basics, 3D printing, science activities, and Idea Lab projects
Just a few of the standout events for familiesYou definitely do not need to do everything. Here are a few especially fun-looking options to put on your radar:For kids & tweensGraphic Novel BINGO — May 2Build a Tiny Tin Robot — May 2Saturday Storytime: All About Japan — May 9Pokémon Club — May 16Miniature Painting — May 23Children’s Cosplay Party — May 30For teensTeen Marvel Book Club — May 6Fandom Fight Club — May 9Escape From Space — May 18Super Smash Brothers Tournament — May 21Dungeons & Dragons programs — May 23Teen Cosplay Party — May 30For all ages / familiesAdopt a Fantasy or Science Fiction Creature — May 5Cats Across Fandoms — May 11Wooden Sci-fi Characters — May 11Make a Mini Spellbook — May 12Make Your Cyberpunk Portrait — May 16For adultsBook Club: Legends & Lattes — May 5Let’s Play The Quiet Year — May 6Fantasy Felting — May 15Magic: The Gathering — May 26Read & Roll: Dire Days — May 28
And that’s just to start! See the entire Nerd Out at the Library schedule.
Don’t miss the Nerd Out Challenge
Kids, teens, and adults can earn prize tickets during the month by participating.
Attend Nerd Out eventsEnter the Art Contest (2026 theme: Fantasy & Sci-Fi)Enter the Fanfiction ContestComplete the Graphic Novel Reading ChallengeGood to know before you goPrograms are all freeSome events require registrationSome drop-in activities are available while supplies lastPrograms are held at different Erie County Public Library locationsChildren under 15 typically need to be supervised by a guardianWhere it’s happening
Events are taking place throughout the month at several branches, including Blasco, Edinboro, Iroquois, Lincoln, and Millcreek.
Best bet:
Browse the full schedule and pick a few that match your kids’ ages and interests. If your crew is into Pokémon, Marvel, Star Wars, cosplay, fantasy, crafts, or gaming, there is a very good chance there’s something here they’ll be excited about.
Want to go?
Check here for the full schedule and registration details for any programs that require sign-up.