The Friends of the Library were instrumental in launching A*Con in 2024, Aiken’s first ever family-friendly convention celebrating graphic novels, manga, comic books, and pop culture. A biennial event, A*Con includes author panels, a cosplay contest, scavenger hunt artist alley, activities for kids, food trucks and more. Promoting all forms of literacy, A*Con aims to introduce a diverse population of community members to library services, to celebrate literature with successful South Carolina authors, and to promote that graphic novels and manga are assets to readers, especially struggling readers.