Many library programs are designed FOR a community; LumaCon was created BY the community. Organized by Petaluma teens with support from library staff, the event features youth artists and presenters alongside comics industry professionals. As a result, LumaCon has grown from a few hundred guests in 2015 to over 2000 in 2020. The pandemic required LumaCon to replicate its values/goals in a virtual environment for two years. In 2023, LumaCon returned in hybrid format, attracting 1500 in-person and hundreds more online.

LumaCon is unique as a comic convention because it focuses on a youth audience and highlights its youth presenters/artists as equals to established professionals. The free event offers hands-on opportunities for creative expression, youth leadership and connection with diverse artists, authors and library resources. Virtual elements added during the pandemic (such as a Youtube channel and Beanstack reading challenge) kept the LumaCon tradition alive for local youth while extending its reach to a broad audience online.

Teen leaders for LumaCon increased their leadership and planning skills by working with library staff to plan/host the event, teach crafts and lead games; they gained confidence in their ability to add value to their community at every age. Participants built confidence in creative expression and experimentation, increased enjoyment of reading for pleasure and built knowledge of library resources. Finally, community members feel more connected to the library and each other.