Public Libraries

[kirin jensen]

How many of you read graphic novels from you library? The library in my city is a great resource for graphic novels as they've made a real effort to have really varied selection. They've even turned to fans like me to help them in determining future selections.

How is your library at hetting in graphic novels?

[ventrra]

Muncie's libraries are generally terrible.
I've read a few graphic novels from the main branch.
The problem here is that the general attitude is like:
Me: Hey! Are there any good books in?
Librarian: Books? Nobody comes to a library to read books. What kind of DVD would you be interested in watching? :(

[maxlords]

My library is VERY progressive. Not only do they have a whole DVD section (with most of the Criterion movies I might add) but they also have a whole area for comics. Tons of graphic novles from Spider-Man to Maus and everything in between. It's very nice. They also keep up on all the latest fiction books within a few weeks of their release as well as standard library fare and free internet access as well as free wi-fi. You can pretty much get anything there.

[koster]

My local library system (http://www.SantaClaraCountyLib.org/) has quite a selection of graphic novels (not to mention DVD box sets and video games).

[Parodius Duh!]

not a single graphic novel at my local library.

[Baloo]

At the libraries here in Philly there's usually a great deal of Mickey Mouse/Donald Duck comic novels and lots of Graphic Novels. I'm right near the Central Library as well and they have plenty to choose from.

[kirin jensen]

not a single graphic novel at my local library.

Talk to your library and see if they take donations. That's how my library got turned on to Persepolis.

[Matt-El]

Back when I was younger, it was the way I first experienced Alan Moore's Marvelman reprints, dubbed "Miracleman".

[APE992]

I'd prefer they not bother personally. Same with DVDs (the library is not your personal Blockbuster) and music CDs (huray, more Justin Beiber and Lady GaGa).

Libraries are for learning. Not that you can't have fun learning but unless the library isn't funded with tax dollars you have to try to please everyone at once rather than pleasing a few groups and hoping it'll go over well.

That and I find most "graphic novels" aren't typically the ones I want to read that are purchased. Huray for thinly veiled yaoi...

The biggest gripe would have to be that the same 3 people keep the same 3 novels checked out constantly making it impossible for you to want to start reading something knowing you won't be able to get 2, 3 or 4 but can find 1 and 5 just fine. Just hit up a torrent, problem solved.

[Sailorneorune]

I love my library (Henderson County Public Library) for this. They get graphic novels for different age groups - you've got the kids' lines - stuff like Sonic the Hedgehog and Kingdom Hearts, the teen section - which is full of stuff like Ranma 1/2, Fullmetal Alchemist, Fruits Basket, Naruto, One Piece, and Oh My Goddess!, and finally the adult section has the mature GNs and collected Marvel/DC volumes for the nostalgic. I donated about 100 manga from series they had parts of and I'm happy I was able to help them fill in the gaps.

The library in the next city over (Evansville) supports graphic novel and manga readers with clubs and sponsorship of E'villecon. OMGcon in Paducah has a partnership with the teen department of the McCracken County Public Library.

Sure, manga can vary wildly in quality, but yay for kids (big and small) reading!

[kirin jensen]

I'd prefer they not bother personally. Same with DVDs (the library is not your personal Blockbuster) and music CDs (huray, more Justin Beiber and Lady GaGa).

Libraries are for learning. Not that you can't have fun learning but unless the library isn't funded with tax dollars you have to try to please everyone at once rather than pleasing a few groups and hoping it'll go over well.

That and I find most "graphic novels" aren't typically the ones I want to read that are purchased. Huray for thinly veiled yaoi...

The biggest gripe would have to be that the same 3 people keep the same 3 novels checked out constantly making it impossible for you to want to start reading something knowing you won't be able to get 2, 3 or 4 but can find 1 and 5 just fine. Just hit up a torrent, problem solved.

By that logic they shouldn't carry fiction at all... "Damn readers , tryin' to have fun! How DARE they!"

[otaku]

my local library both downtown and the many branch libraries have tons of graphic novels, collections and manga. Love it saves me tons of money (I just buy what they don't have available and then donate to them) and can try stuff without losing money

[Gameboy Color]

I haven't looked in a number of years, but my local library had a small section of both graphic novels and manga the last time I checked. At the time, it was mostly Viz manga (Ranma 1/2, Maison Ikkoku and Dragon Ball specifically) and random volumes from non-DC/Marvel series.