On Wednesday night at the Federal Way Library one of the large meeting rooms within a matter of minutes quickly fills to capacity.

Teens and young adults line the long tables, laptops and sketch books out, while watching an Anime video on the big screen.

For over seven years, the Anime Club at the Federal Way Library has been a thriving gathering spot for like-minded youth interested in Anime, Manga and other drawing styles.

“It’s a great way for the teens to socialize and interact with teens who share a common interest,” said Michele McLaughlin, the teen services librarian. “They’re linked with a common love of Anime.”

The club meets from 6:30-8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the library, located at 34200 First Way S.

McLaughlin said during the course of the Wednesday night meet-up, the group watches three 20 minute Anime videos. While they watch the videos, the youth are encouraged to draw in whatever drawing style interests them.

Snacks and refreshments are provided to the youth courtesy of the Friends of the Federal Way Libraries. McLaughlin said the Friends of the Federal Way Libraries also provide a huge help by paying for the annual subscription to play Anime films.

McLaughlin has been the teen services librarian for the Federal Way Library for 17 years. She admits to not knowing a great deal about Anime and Manga and said the idea for an Anime Club was 100 percent youth generated.

The Teen Anime Advisory Group was formed to give teens an ongoing opportunity to provide feedback on Anime Club-related programs. One idea the group created was an Anime Jeopardy game that was a huge hit back in September when it debuted.

Ariana Gandert, 14, said she has enjoyed her time in the club.

“I’ve made a lot of friends,” she said. “It is fun meeting people who are similar to you and talk about what you like.”

Outside of the club, Ariana said she is also active in a lot of fandoms. Fandoms, she said, are Anime fan clubs.

Olivia Joyce, 14, said being active in the Anime Club has been a boon to her art.

“It helps my art style improve,” Olivia said. “It’s fun and entertaining.”

McLaughlin said she is gathering art pieces from the youth in the club and she plans to put them on public display at the library during the month of March.

A sketch drawing by Olivia Joyce, 14. Andrew Fickes, for the Mirror