Library members and trading card lovers gathered in Boardman for "Pokémon Day" on Saturday, a celebration to honor 30 years of the beloved Japanese franchise.

The 4th Annual Pokémon Day included guests shuffling through cards to see what they could find and game-inspired crafts for those in attendance.

Pokémon's official debut was on February 27, 1996, with the release of Nintendo Game Boy's Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. 

"Every year, I try to get a big program together for the kids," Brianna Sickle, Youth Services librarian, said. "They can come and hang out with their friends and talk about what they love, which is Pokémon."

Sickle said that events like this are a good way of getting kids out of their comfort zone in a safe and educational way.

"It's just a great way getting everybody involved and it's one of the only things, pretty much, in our community that is free to do. All of our programming is free, and it's just fun for the kids," Sickle said.

The event took place at The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County on Glenwood Avenue.