The Forest and Morton Libraries have an expanding collection of graphic novels
The Forest Library has most of their graphic novels in their young adult section as well as a rack with illustrated books and collected comics for young children. The Morton Library has sections for young adults, youths, and adults.
The young adult sections at both libraries have a variety of modern graphic novel volumes. Forest has collected issues of Wonder Woman, Justice League, Avengers, and The Walking Dead. Morton has collected issues of The Walking Dead as well and other titles like X-men, Spider-Man, and Deadpool.
Both libraries have multiple Japanese manga (which can be unusual for American readers as they read back to front and often black and white), and both libraries have illustrated adaptations of classics. Forest has Dracula, Frankenstein, and Hamlet. Morton has A Midsummer’s Night Dream and Romeo and Juliet.
Children’s books at each library include Pokemon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Babysitters Club, and Hazardous Tales.
Morton Library’s Branch Manager, Carrie Harrison said she has seen high traffic for young readers of graphic novels. Harrison said, “I’ve noticed more holds on the graphic novels recently.” A hold means that a reader has requested a book from another branch member. If a reader is looking for a book at Morton or Forest libraries and the book is in the collection of another library within the branch, it can be sent to Morton or Forest for the reader to check out at their location. This is especially helpful for children that are able to traverse to their local library on foot or bicycle but cannot reach other branch members.
Harrison said that manga is one of their most popular books in their graphic novel sections. Popular mangas include Card Captors Sakura and Tokyo Ghoul.
Forest librarian, Brandi Parker said, “Manga has brought in new readers — it’s growing faster than the super hero comics.”
Parker said that the young adult reader is the most difficult group to get to come into the library and check out a book.
The Forest Library will be hosting a graphic novel themed costume gathering in October. Attendees will be encouraged to dress as their favorite comics and genre characters.
