LIBRARY UPDATE: “Pow! Whaam! Graphic Novels are here!”

Often overlooked. Frequently shunned within the literary community. Graphic Novels have always been a hot button topic. Should our library include them? Upon visiting many other public libraries, it always seems they have made that leap. That doesn’t however mean if everyone else is doing it so should we. However upon excitement and enthusiasm shown by staff, the added appeal of attempting to connect to the lost generation of patron 20-35yr old, it seemed like a pool worth at least dipping our feet into.

What you’ll often find if you scan through these novels is while they may have your child’s favorite super hero they are definitely not intended for them. The content can be of a more teenage and older appropriate content. The artwork usually stands out as a key element in the beauty which are graphic novels, so much so they’ve developed awards around this. Will Eisner is an American cartoonist who later would have this prestigious award named after him. In our opening selections of graphic novels we managed to put a few Eisner Award winners in. Graphic novels can often be the gateway for literacy amongst teens and young adults. Not wanting to read anything else, but it gets them through the door. Therefore it’s a subject we’re willing to explore.

You will be able to find our new Graphic Novels located opposite the Large Print section on display. If you’re curious, let your wandering take you over there and see what it’s all about.