From Harry Potter To Star Trek: Feed Your Inner Geek At Toms River Library Event

Toms River, NJ — Embrace your geek at the Ocean County Library by attending the second annual FanNation: The Geekstravaganza at the Toms River branch.

The event, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5, is designed to bring together fans of science fiction, comic books, gaming, anime, and fantasy.

It kicks off with a program for Harry Potter fans. Doors open for “Harry Potter: A Staged Radio Play Parody & Themed Party” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Mancini Hall in the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington St.

Raconteur Radio will present this uniquely immersive interpretation of Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire with theatrical lighting, costumes, Golden Age radio equipment, fog fx, and of course hundreds of sound effects. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Toms River Library.

Fans can meet up with other fans at FanNation: The Geekstravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 5. The adult/teen event will feature more than 20 panels, workshops and presentations. Featuring comedian Uncle Yo, Marvel & DC comic artist Reilly Brown, and the NYC Ghostbusters’ Slime Lab. Panels and workshops will cover anime, cosplay creation, drawing, comics, geek cooking, and even roller derby.

Meet and ask questions of bestselling authors such as Barry Lyga, author of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl; Sarvenaz Tash, author of The Geeks Guide to Unrequited Love; and Stephen Segal, author of Geek Wisdom. Books will be available for purchase during author signings. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and register at FanNation for a judged cosplay contest. Gaming demonstrations and open play on PC and gaming consoles will also be held. From Steven Universe to Game of Thrones, there will be something for everyone, including opportunities to talk with other fans at over 15 scheduled meet-ups.

Fan groups such as the USS Challenger, a chapter of the international STAR TREK fan association, Starfleet, will be on hand to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek while the 501st Legion, a STAR WARS fan club will be discussing the December release of “STAR WARS: Rogue One.”

Both programs are free but registration is required. To register call 732-349-6200 or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org

Members of Raconteur Radio pictured from last year’s Doctor Who program at FanNation 2015, will present a production of “Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire” at FanNation 2016 at the Ocean County Library. Photo provided by the Ocean County Library