Graphic Novels for Libraries

Graphic Novels for Libraries

This is an interesting post in a local Ontario libraries blog about dealing with graphic novels in the stacks.
Back in college, when I spent Summers and holidays in Seattle, my local branch library had an awesome graphic novel selection. (They were also the branch nearest Fantagraphics... I wonder if there was any connection?) After doing class reading all year, being able to discover gems like The Golum's Mighty Swing, A Contract with God, and Kings in Disguise, really helped to keep me sane.
Even if you have no connection with library science besides the card in your wallet, this is worth checking out, if you are at interested in sequential art.

Many graphic novels are geared for young adults and as such, contain themes that are much more mature than typical comic books. Parents are becoming concerned that children may be attracted to the format and read books that have too adult a theme for them. Blankets by Craig Thompson and Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel have set off the first challenge in the library's history. Both books deal with mature themes of turbulent childhoods, strict religious upbringings, and homosexuality. The books contain pictures of a naked couple, albeit in cartoon form.Parents are mostly concerned with the illustrations and that they may be accessible to children. Louise Mills, a Marshall resident, asks, "Does this community want our public library to continue to use tax dollars to purchase pornography?"