Often when I am at the library providing reader’s advisory services, I get asked by young folks, “Can you recommend a book to me?” My immediate follow-up is, “Well, what do you like?” I tell them that it doesn’t have to be a book; it could be a favorite character, movie, or activity. This sparks so many conversations about what youth feel very passionately about. Often, I pocket these conversations not only to help in the moment, but also for later programming ideas.
Tag: manga
Social-Emotion Growth and Resilience Through Manga

Over the past year or so, I have noticed an increased interest in anime and manga at my library. After starting an Anime Club, I knew that #alaac26 would be a great opportunity to expand my own knowledge and come back to my home branch with new ideas for programing nd collections development. I started my hunt today with GNCRT’s President’s Program: Social-Emotional Growth and Resilience Through Manga.
Manga Goes to School @ #ALAAC24
The last session of the day, on the last day of the conference no less, Manga Goes to School, was heavily attended. Could it be the draw of the topic or the expertise of the presenters? Actually, it was both. Manga is all the buzz among young people across the country. It is read quickly and has a loyal following. If you are a school librarian like me, or a youth services librarian, this is a topic you need to keep on top of.
The Annoying SpiderMan: Overcoming the Shelving Challenges of Comics & Graphic Novels Through In-House Classification #LibLearnX
Every time I am shelving in our comics and graphic novels section, I face the following reality: comics and graphic novels do not easily conform to our traditional classification schemes. LibLearnX Presenter Jack Phoenix knows this and offered a fantastic presentation on in-house classification alternatives that just might fix the problem AND make your comics and graphic novels more browsable, more visually appealing, and more accessible. Phoenix, author of the 2020 book Maximizing the Impact of Comics in Your Library: Graphic Novels, Manga, and More, noted librarian’s tendency to shoehorn things that aren’t traditional books into systems that don’t support them before reminding participants that, “Dewey didn’t see these things coming.” The traditional practice of organizing titles by creator does not work for comics for many reasons, not least of which is the argument made by Phoenix that, “Creator or even title are often not the main point of access”…
Geeks Win During COVID

Winning During COVID So, winning a major award at just about any other time would come with a different set of emotions. Winning during COVID is like holding our breath all over again. The news, alerts and aid during COVID of course takes complete precedence. But, you know, we geeks really can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!
The Art of the Con – plan, host, conduct and maintain!

The Art of the Con The Art of the con or convention is a fine art, but thankfully for you fearless reader, we have on hand Elise VanCise, creator and coordinator of the Annual Astor Library Geek Fest, now in its fourth year! Elise is the young adult coordinator for the Astor County Library in sunny Astor, Florida. First Things First! J – For the purposes of this article, we’re going to focus on what it takes to plan, host, conduct and maintain a successful con. But first, what exactly is a Geek Fest and why would a library want to have one? VanCise – Geek Fest is the name we gave to our mini-comic con or convention. It’s a one-day con where we have cosplay, anything you geek is basically our theme – superheroes, science fiction, horror – anything you want! This year we have exhibitors that do everything…
Manga Mania Sweeps Through Librari-Con
Librari-Con, our library’s annual anime mini-convention, features anime viewing, panels and forums. With almost 900 participants at this year’s one day event, our central Headquarters Library was transformed into manga mania. The Manga Lounge, also known as our Teen Area, offered a relaxing corner for attendees to flip through our collection of manga, graphic novels, and teen fiction. Artist Alley, held in our large activity room, offered a venue for artists to feature original artwork available for purchase. Attendees also bought anime, manga, and gaming books through our Friends of the Library Book Sale. Attendees could participate in improv, sing karaoke, and learn the logistics of cosplay. Customers attended sessions on learning how to draw manga, writing techniques, and publishing tips. We offered programs for younger children as well. Our Children’s Department was transformed into Chibi Corner where young children could color and fold origami. The Live Action Angry Birds…