Graphic Novel Resources for Librarians
Librarians can utilize the Get Graphic! website to learn more about graphic novels, investigate booklists, explore graphic novel news and information, and learn about graphic novel related events around Western New York. Our Get Graphic! blog offers a place to exchange ideas and see what others are reading, and our Contact list allows direct communication with individuals from the Get Graphic project for assistance in how to best utilize the website and materials.
- The average 15-24 year old American spends almost 2 hours each day watching TV, but only 7 minutes of their leisure time reading.
- As many as 6.3 million secondary school students are reading below grade level.
- As reading scores for 12th graders continue to drop, the most significant declines are among low-level readers.
- The WNY drop out rate increased 47.8% from 1998-2003.
- Locally, 30% of adults operate at minimal literacy. Countywide, 20% of adults operate at minimal literacy.
Graphic Novels can be an important part of both educational and leisure reading for patrons of all ages. Graphic novels are astoundingly popular and can be as simple or complex as any other literature.
Reading graphic novels:
- Engages reluctant readers & ESL patrons.
- Increases reading comprehension and vocabulary.
- Can provide a bridge between low and high levels of reading.
- Presents an approach to reading that embraces the multimedia nature of today’s culture, as 2/3 of a story is conveyed visually.
- Provides scaffolding for struggling readers.
- Presents complex material in readable text.
- Helps patrons understand global affairs.
- Offers another avenue through which individuals can experience art.
In addition, Graphic Novels are wildly popular!
- In 2001 graphic novels were a 75 million dollar industry, In 2006 sales had grown to 330 million dollars.
- Graphic novels have surpassed comics as "the most popular format". Reid, Calvin. "Graphic Novel Market Hits $330 Million." Publishers Weekly Feb. 23, 2007.
- Scholastic Book Fairs have sold over 4 million graphic novels since the introduction of the category in 2004.
- Many mainstream writers have crossed over to graphic novels (Eric Jerome Dickey, Cecil Castellucci, Anthony Horowitz, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Laurell K. Hamilton). There have also been graphic novels created by musicians, including Avril Lavigne, Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and Neil Young.
Graphic Novel Workshop Resources
- Powerpoint Presentation
- Graphic Novels in Libraries -- What, Why and How
- Manga and Anime Terminology
- Top Graphic Novel Series
- What a Real Teen Says -- High School Student Martin Kilroy on Graphic Novels
Additional Resources
Upcoming Events 
- May 22: Art Spiegelman ! — Author Presentation at 4:00 PM
- July 9: Author Visit - Gene Yang at 4:00 PM
Graphic Novel of the Month
Dogs and Water
By Anders Nilsen
A young man wanders through desolate tundra with only a stuffed bear for companionship. It is unclear where he’s coming from or where he’s going. In his wanderings he crosses paths with animals and armed men. Each interaction is tense, for in a land where resources are so sparse every living being is a competitor. Eventually he is accepted into a pack of dogs whose tenuous friendship is as comforting as it is unsettling.
