Teen cosplay contest coming to Pelham library

Published 3:53 pm Wednesday, October 24, 2018

PELHAM – The Pelham Public Library’s first cosplay contest is set for Saturday, Nov. 3, at 12:30 p.m.

Students in grades six through 12 are eligible to compete. Registration packets can be picked up at the Teen Desk at the Pelham library and must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2.

Teen Librarian Liz Winn said the program was developed in partnership with Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of Archie Comics Publishing.

“She saw a human-interest piece on Walter Carr and decided to contact us to see if we were interested in her coming to the library to speak to teenagers about the importance of being kind,” Winn said. “We collaborated to come up with this contest.”

Silberkleit regularly uses her platform to speak out against bullying and to encourage kindness. To go hand-in-hand with Silberkleit’s message, contestants must donate one nonperishable food item in order to participate in the competition. Those who wish to participate in a raffle drawing must donate one gently used coat.

Keeping with the kindness theme, each costume should reflect a manga or graphic novel character that participants see as a role model. The entry form includes a section for participants to explain why they view their chosen character as a role model.

Contestants will be judged by Stan Daniel, owner of Kingdom Comics, and Will and Reed Lochamy, radio co-hosts of “Oh Brother Radio.” A prize will be awarded to the winner.