Many libraries have embraced graphic novels with great enthusiasm, offering a range of titles for adults, teens and children. In many cases, they are among the libraries' most popular sections. Here we talk with two librarians whose graphic novel sections have expanded dramatically in the past few years--and drawn in a range of readers.
About two and a half years ago, Eva Volin, supervising
children's librarian at the Alameda Free Library, Alameda, Calif., began
building a graphic novel section in the children's area, which until then
consisted of only a few titles. (The library has separate graphic novel
sections in its teen and adult areas.) The main hurdle came not because of the
content of the graphic novels but from the technical processing staff because
of changes that needed to be made to the catalogue. Once that was settled, the
transition came smoothly. One of the main things they had to teach the staff
was that the word "graphic" has meanings beyond the one associated
with violence or sexuality. "Once they understood that we weren't adding
naughty books to the children's collection, they began to support the changes
we were making," Volin said.
The library now has more than 800 graphic novel titles in the children's section and is in the process of acquiring about 100 more. The section has been organized like one in a bookstore and not with the standard Dewey system, which has made "the books easier for our customers to find." The area devoted to graphic novels has increased to six bays of shelving--with room to grow. It's "the first thing you see" when you enter the children's area, and the response has been "overwhelming," Volin said.
The most enthusiastic younger readers have been upper
elementary and middle school kids, both boys and girls. As a result, Volin has
aimed to keep the collection "diverse," which means having a range of
superhero, 
adventure, mystery, romance and nonfiction titles, so that "no
one goes home disappointed," as she put it.
The section has only a few comics because they are paid for out of the magazine budget, which is significantly smaller than the book budget, which encompasses graphic novels. Volin noted, however, that the comics the library stocks are "very popular." Since more graphic novels are being reviewed than ever before, librarians who are restricted to buying books that are professionally reviewed are finding it easier to buy a range of titles, Volin noted.
Still, Volin would like to see more kids' graphic novels reviewed, although "things are getting better all the time." It's more of a challenge, she said, just to keep up with new releases in series. But for her, keeping up is a labor of love: she enjoys graphic novels "probably more than I should."
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At the Brookline Public Library, Brookline, Mass., the
graphic novel section has existed for about four years--coinciding with Robin
Brenner's arrival at the library.
Now, in the adult section, the library has more than 1,300 graphic novels and 79 comic strip collections; in the teen area, the numbers are nearly 2,700 and almost 100. The children's section has more than 200 titles. In addition, the library has access to all the graphic novels in the 42-library network. Still, Brenner is "fairly proud of our collection here," and she noted that she's had "strong support" from the director.
By several measures, graphic novels and comics have been wildly popular among patrons. Circulation of graphic novels rose last year by 50% and has surpassed DVDs--and more and more adults are requesting titles to be added to the collection. Adult men browse both the adult and teen graphic novel sections. Adult women are drawn to the adult collection for its indie content and manga for women. The teen collection is the most popular teen category, and teens regularly "camp out with stacks of comics near where the graphic novels are shelved," Brenner noted.
Brenner has had to move the teen collection several times as it has expanded and also moved the adult collection recently so it has more room to grow.
Most staff members support graphic novels, though there are a few who "just don't quite understand the appeal." Twice, patrons have asked about the appropriateness of a title, but these didn't become official challenges after staff members discussed library policies on the subject. (For example, the teen collection is geared for ages 13-18, so some material is not appropriate for those in the lower ages.)
Brenner keeps up with the latest in graphic novels by
reading reviews, blogs and the New York Times
graphic books bestseller list. She also listens to patrons. "If someone
sends in a purchase request, I almost always buy it," she said. "I
want to be sure I'm hitting what my local patrons want, so I really enjoy
having people tell me directly."
Brenner was introduced to the genre when she was working in a library and was asked to investigate "these newfangled graphic novels" for possible inclusion in the library's teen room. Although she had read a few graphic novels, like Maus, enjoyed comic strips as a child and even taken cartooning courses, it was only when doing research for the section that she "fell in love" with the form, the combination of images and words. Brenner especially enjoys reading "anything that's well written and features strong art" and personally adores manga, "but I also have dearly loved many a superhero story in my day."