Library pursues graphic novel grant

Gibson Memorial Library is looking to widen their graphic novel selection with the help of a grant from the American Library Association.

Graphic novels are books presented in comic-strip format and can come in all shapes and sizes. From classic superhero comics to non-fiction informative guides and everything in between, graphic novels have risen in popularity in the U.S. According to the School Library Journal, over 90% of school libraries have seen a significant rise in popularity of graphic novels.

Creston is no different, with Gibson Memorial seeing their own uptick in use. Assistant director Jordan Foote said this rise is specifically seen in younger readers.

“Whether you like it or not, graphic novels are kind of the future in some regards, as we’ve seen with our circulation in regards to junior material and YA,” Foote said. “We have a collection in all kind of age groups, but it’s not as extensive to address everyone’s needs at once.”

In order to add more of these books to their collection, the library is pursuing the Will Eisner Graphic Novel grant. ALA awards two Eisner grants each year, one for growth and one for innovation. Both grants provide $4,000 in award money, as well as $3,000-worth of graphic novels from both the Will Eisner Library and the winning titles from this year’s Comic-Con International.

Of the $4,000 in award money, half of it is to bused to purchase graphic novels, $1,000 used to host a graphic novel-themed event and $1,000 used to attend the ALA Annual Conference to officially receive the award. The 2025 conference takes place late June in Philadelphia.

With only two awards given by national organization, the library is hopeful but not banking on the funds. “If we get rejected, we can find some other way,” Foote said.

In other library news...

In preparation for annual budgeting next month, the board overviewed their budgeting priorities. High on the list included replacing old laptops, adding UV protection to a few windows, replacing the rest of the building’s carpet and replacing one of the patron computers.

The library is continuing to work with the Friends of the Library in order to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the Union County area. No specific plans have been made yet.