Graphic novels have become a common staple in libraries all across the country. With illustrated content that can be seen by eyes of all ages, graphic novels are more vulnerable to challenges than other materials. What can libraries do when faced with challenges related to graphic novels and comic books? Begin by consulting The American Library Association’s Resources on Dealing with Challenges to Graphic Novels to handle the complaint.
Another outstanding resource is the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which is a non-profit organization that protects the freedom to read comics (along with graphic novels) across the globe. Its work protects readers, creators, librarians, retailers, publishers, and educators who face the threat of censorship. They monitor legislation and challenge laws that would limit the First Amendment. They create helpful resources that promote the understanding of comics, discussion guides for banned comics, and other resources, which are made possible by the contributions of CBLDF donors. Some of these include:
- Raising A Reader: How Comics & Graphic Novels Can Help Your Kids Love to Read!
• Using Graphic Novels in Education
• CBLDF Banned Comics Discussion Guides
• Defend Comics
The CBLD publishes news and information about challenges as they happen on their website and through their subscription e-newsletter. They also partner with the Kids’ Right to Read Project and Banned Books Week. Their expert legal team is available to respond to First Amendment emergencies at a moment’s notice. CBLDF is a lean organization that works hard to protect the rights on which our community depends.
Want to know more about the CBLDF? At ALA this month there will be a panel session, CBLDF: Protecting Comics: Authors & Experts On Fighting Graphic Novel Challenges with members from the organization, including Executive Director Charles Bronstein who will discuss the fight against comic and graphic novel censorship along with Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki author of the 2015 Printz Honor and 2015 Newbery Honor Book, This One Summer and Gene Luen Yang author of Boxers & Saints.
Become a CBLDF member today and support the First Amendment Right to Read!
Janet Weber is a member of the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee and is a Youth Services Librarian at the Tigard Public Library in Oregon. She teaches the ALSC online continuing education course Children’s Graphic Novels 101.