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# Read Graphic Novels at the Library
July is Graphic Novels in Libraries Month! Designed to bring attention to and promote the growing graphic novel and comics collections in our nation's libraries, this month-long celebration was started in 2019 by Booklist (the American Library Association's review journal).
The benefits of comics and graphic novels may surprise you. Not only can they help striving readers can build confidence, they help build visual literacy skills, something that is increasingly important in the information age. For young readers who struggle with or have a limited vocabulary, these images can offer visual clues to help decode new words. For reluctant readers, they can also be more appealing than a traditional book.
It's Not All Caped Crusaders
Comics and graphic novels can be found in every genre and often include the exact same literary elements you find in traditional novels. Beyond science fiction and fantasy, there are a wealth of nonfiction topics, slice-of-life stories, and even adaptations of classic literature to be found. Explore this month's staff picks to see just what graphic novels have to offer.
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New to comics? Discover the perfect gateway into comics with Hoopla's curated collection. From superheroes, to children's picks and award winners, there's something for every new reader. Plus: Check out What's New in Comics every Wednesday on Hoopla! Stay ahead of the curve with new releases and new additions every week. There's always something exciting to read, so dive in and explore the latest in the world of comics!
At Jacksonville Public Library, we celebrate graphic novels all year round! We have a monthly Comic Club (Graphic Novel Book Club), meeting the second Tuesday of every month at the Willow Branch Library. Join a Library Book Club today and get even more book recommendations from library staff and readers just like you! We also have annual fandom and comic events like Beaches Library Comic Fest and Jax Pop Con at the Main Library.
Are you a comic creator? Find your community and practice your skills from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. on select Saturdays at the Main Library! Saturday Morning Cartooning is an informal drop-in activity where local comic artists and writers meet up to share ideas and resources, cheer each other on, and collaborate on projects. There are also how-to books and other resources available for checkout from the collection. Find them next to the Zine Zone on the first floor of the Main Library.
In addition to our massive graphic novel and manga collection at the Library, you have instant and free access to hundreds more, on your favorite device! Hoopla's constantly growing collection means both seasoned fans and those new to the format can always find something fresh and exciting to read. Find popular and award-winning series from Tokyopop and Disney or re-discover classics and "essentials" like Astroboy and Neon Genesis Evangelion.
