Bestselling authors John Scalzi and Martha Wells will lead the lineup at Pop Madness, San Antonio Public Library's free annual pop culture convention. The event, set for March 7 at Central Library, will feature panels, book signings, cosplay contests, and family activities. It celebrates fandom with diverse authors, artists, and interactive experiences.
Pop Madness, an all-ages celebration of pop culture, takes place on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at San Antonio Public Library's Central Library, located at 600 Soledad St. Admission is free, with free parking available in the library garage for up to three hours.
Anchoring the guest list are New York Times bestselling authors John Scalzi and Martha Wells, who will participate in a panel discussion in the Central Library Auditorium followed by a book signing. Scalzi is known for works such as 'Redshirts,' the 'Old Man’s War' series, and 'When the Moon Hits Your Eye.' He has won the Hugo, Locus, and Dragon awards, served as a creative consultant for the 'Stargate: Universe' television series, and written for the video game 'Midnight Star.' Scalzi is also an executive producer for upcoming television adaptations of 'Old Man’s War' and 'The Collapsing Empire,' with his books translated into more than 30 languages.
Martha Wells, a Texas native and member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, is the author of the 'Murderbot Diaries' series. She consults on its Apple TV+ adaptation, 'Murderbot,' which has been renewed for a second season. Wells has also contributed to 'Stargate: Atlantis' and 'Magic: The Gathering,' earning Nebula, Hugo, Locus, Alex, and Dragon awards. Her books are published in more than 30 languages.
Joining them are authors Robert Jackson Bennett and Celso Hurtado, along with artists John Picacio, Kwanzaa Edwards, and Irving Herrera. The event emphasizes diversity in fandom, with children's activities on the third floor including a Jedi Training session at noon, origami creation, and a family-friendly escape room. Tween, teen, and adult cosplay contests start at 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium, with pre-registration encouraged online or on-site from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additional offerings include arts and crafts, board games, card games, video games, Pokémon activities, and screenings of local San Antonio films in the Latino Collection and Resource Center. Pop Madness brings together fans from various fandoms while highlighting creators from diverse backgrounds.
For more information, visit the San Antonio Public Library website. General library inquiries can be directed to 210-207-2500 or via text and online chat.
