Using Graphic Novels for Programming for Teens!
I am going to show my age here. I remember when Graphic Novels were something new and libraries were considering whether or not they should purchase this kind of book. After all, what good are comic books?
When I attended PLA last month, I went to a highly entertaining session on using this wildly popular genre to draw teens into the library. Here are some of the program ideas the presenters shared:
Graphic Novel Book Clubs
Everyone can read the same book or pick a theme.
Have an activity (drawing, board games, or movies).
Provide food.
Graphic Novel-Themed Parties
Super Heroes (movies, games, dressing up).
Walking Dead (zombies).
Graphic Novel Workshop with a Professional Artist
Find someone local.
Hands-on activities are popular with teens.
Superhero Story Time presented by the Teens
Superhero stories.
Superhero games.
Teens can dress up (little ones love to have teens’ attention).
Manga Fan Club
Watching movies or drawing together.
Group discussions.
Trivia games.
Interactive Gaming.
Group Discussion Forum.
Teen-Created Comics
Have a group of teens make their own comics.
Divide team into pencil artists, inkists, colorists, letter artist, layout designer, and print supervisor.
Interactive Gaming
Many video games are Graphic Novel related.
Plan a date and let the teens talk and play games together.
Anime/Comic Conventions
A trip to a convention may not be possible, but you can plan your own Anime Day.
Have screenings, costume play, and workshops.
Be sure to invite teens from other communities.
To see more program ideas and learn how to effectively respond to challenges related to manga and graphic novels, go to the PLA Conference Program and do a keyword search for Graphic Novels. The handouts are available as Word documents.
