The least expected place to see superheroes and villains is a library, walking through aisles of booths filled with handmade pieces, art and novels, but that is exactly where these characters came to life.
On Saturday June 7, the Selby Library hosted its annual pop culture convention called SRQCon. Booths filled the library with types of merchandise, from artwork to novels and even handmade crochet pieces.
Camille Feaser, vendor of Camille’s Crochet booth, had started crocheting when she was 9 years old with her grandmother, but has learned this specific style of crochet from Etsy and YouTube. She fills her booth with many characters spanning from different franchises and universes in the style of plushes.
Feaser also crochets for her local parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, for an organization called Prayer Shawl Ministry.
“We will crochet shawls for people who are in nursing homes. And will do lap robes, which are a rectangular shape. So say, if they basically sit all day, they may also be, in a way, a wheelchair. And it just keeps their legs warm, because, you know, they could get chilly in the air conditioning.” explains Feaser.
The SRQCon, which is free, has grown over the years. The Selby Library Manager, Brian Rottingen, says they have had five conventions, including a virtual convention during COVID-19.
The SRQCon doesn’t only serve the heroes fighting crime, but also the heroes in the pages.
Merab Favorite, Marketing Coordinator for Sarasota Libraries, adds the convention also serves as the perfect way to kick off the summer learning programs provided by the Sarasota Libraries.
Almost every day from May 31 to Aug. 2 the library has fun activities to keep children's brains active and entertained during the summer lull. Go to SarasotaLibraries.org for more.
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ShimmyBOOM bellydancers, lead by Misha Nell, performed at the SRQCon at the Selby Libraries.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
ShimmyBOOM bellydancers perform for the SRQCon 2025 led by Misha Nell.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
ShimmyBOOM bellydancing group gather together for a group photo all dressed in their fairy attire for SRQCon 2025.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Booths all set up for SRQCon 2025.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Artist Dalton Reed, cosplaying as Dr.Eggman from the Sonic films, is all set up at his booth, Speedstreak Art.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Cosplayer, Dimitri Grande, is showing off his Static Shock cosplay that took 1 month to build.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
The finalist winners from the SRQCon cosplay contest.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Robert Schwab enjoyed the SRQCon Cosplay Contest dressed as Pool Party Pool, from the Deadpool franchise.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
From left to right: Emily Schenek (MC), Gray Martin (panel judge), Kaitlyn L. (panel judge) and RJ (panel judge).
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Dimitri Grande shows off his Static Shock cosplay to the judge panel at the SRQCon cosplay contest.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Camille Feaser stands with her booth, Camille's Crochet and is ready for SRQCon.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Booth are all ready for guests at the SRQCon 2025 in the Selby Library.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Shayna Morelli won first place at the cosplay contest for her Queen Maeve costume from the Prime Video series The Boys.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Vendors are all set up and ready for the SRQCon 2025 at the Selby Library.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
From woodworkings to crochet plushes, the booths at SRQCon 2025 were filled with one of a kind items.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Much to find at booths for SQRCon 2025 like books, trinkets and crochet plushes.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Michael Rowan dressed as Rhysand from novel "A Court of Thorns and Roses" and daughter Abigial Rowan dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, show off their cosplay to the panel judges.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Michael Rowan and daughter Abigail Rowan dressed as Rhysand inspired by "A Court of Thorns and Roses" and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.
Photo by Carlin Gillen
Camille's Crochet booth is ready for the SRQCon 2025 at the Selby Library.
Carlin Gillen is an intern reporter for the Observer. Originally from Lakewood Ranch, she studies journalism and English at the University of Mississippi. She loves photography, writing and finding a story to tell within everyone.
