Proposed Program I propose to implement a new graphic novel program series to the Champaign Public Library.

This series will include five different programs that will take place over a month long period and will cover many aspects about graphic novels as well as raise awareness of this medium. The first program in the series will be a book discussion on the graphic novel The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. The book discussion can be held in one of the small meeting rooms and will be led by two adult librarians, both of whom are avid readers of graphic novels and this book in particular. Some of the topics to be discussed will be the ramifications of the Iranian Revolution on Marjanes childhood and womens rights. Also, Marjanes decision to use the graphic novel as a way to represent her story will also be addressed. To prepare for this increased circulation of the book, additional copies will need to be purchased so that users have ample opportunity to read the book and participate in the discussion. Another program in this series will be the screening of the Persepolis movie, written and directed by Marjane and based on her book. The rights to this award winning movie will need to be procured. The viewing can take place in the auditorium and will likely be well attended as most movie screenings at our library are. There will be a discussion after the movie for people who want to note the differences between the book and film. Following these programs there will be an author visit by Marjane Satrapi, herself. It can be held in the auditorium and a sign-up will be announced on our website as well as at the circulation and reference desks due to limited number of seats. A partnership with the local bookstore, Barnes and Noble, will allow users to purchase her book if they do not already own it and there will be a book signing after the event. According to her website, she is available to do visits for a reasonable amount of money. Her standard visit includes reading a small section from her book, a question and answer section as well as a book signing.

While this series is taking place, there will also be a display of local graphic novelists artwork in the main foyer. According to the local comic book store, there are many comic book artists in the area and displaying their work in conjunction with this series will increase awareness of their work in the community. It will also allow users to see the many different types of graphic novels available. Another way to increase this community outreach would be purchase some of the books from the local artists to increase and enrich our librarys graphic novel collection. Finally, the last program in the series will be a wrap-up discussion by a college professor in the local university who teaches graphic novels. She will cover the history of comics as well as their future. This will also be a good place to encourage readers advisory as she will offer many suggestions for further reading and our library can display our current graphic novel collection.

Necessity of the Program I feel that this proposed series will increase awareness in graphic novels and related media. As our librarys mission states, we wish to connect our community with a world of culture and ideas, and the joy of reading. As a format, comics are used to portray a large array of genres and are a something that even avid readers do not often read. The graphic novel section of our collection is not heavily circulated but I believe that it will increase after this program series as more people become aware of the many different ways authors use comics to tell stories. Also, this series will allow our library to build bonds with the community. Through the partnerships with the local bookstore, comic store and university, we will continue to engage with local businesses and build relationships with them that will be beneficial in the future. We will also use the series to draw attention to local comic book artists in the community which will encourage other patrons to see our library as an organization that encourages local art.

Brief Literature Review Public libraries across the country are starting to do programs based on graphic novels with very positive results. The Ada Community Library in Boise, Idaho, reported that their program Drawing Comics Tools of the Trade was met with good reviews and attendance. They had a college professor share insights on graphic novels with the participants and were able to show patrons a new type of literary format that they could read and enjoy 1, much as we plan to do. Another successful program was held at the Lawrence Public Library in Lawrence, Kansas. They held a two part lecture on A Visual History of Comics which was given by a Kansas University professor as well as a graphic novel artist. While the lecture was happening, the artist illustrated the conversation in real time. 2 The lecture was well attended and shows that people are willing to approach graphic novels in an academic way. Finally, the Seattle Public Library has also started a holding programming series on graphic novels. Their first book club graphic novel was also Persepolis which was met with great success. They also held Comixtravangaza which was a series of events celebrating

comics and artists. Although held on a much larger scale than this proposed program, they had over 600 attendees3 and the program was well received.

Implementation Plan There are many library employees that will be necessary in the implementation of this series. The adult services librarians will be needed to lead discussions and assist with the
1 2

Rice, Diane. Getting Graphic at the Library. Idaho Librarian. 59.1 (2009). Strunk, Adam. "Library Series Kicks Off with Mature Look at Comic Books." Lawrence Journal World [Lawrence] 7-15-12. 3 Bass, Abby. "Not Just for Kids: Reaching Adult Comics Readers at Seattle Public Library." Alki. (March 2009): 8, 11.

running of the other programs. Librarians at the circulation and reference desks will also need to be informed about upcoming programs as well as materials available to patrons so that they can answer any questions that might arise. Finally, the collection development and cataloging departments will be necessary to increase the graphic novel collection by adding more copies of Persepolis as well as local graphic novels. Beyond the library employees, contacts will need to be made at Barnes and Noble, the local comic book store and the college so that they can participate in the programs. The funding of this program will come from the adult services program fund and will cover the author visit, new books, movie rights, compensating the college professor for her time and marketing. Most of the marketing for this series will take place through flyers and signs within the library as well as at Barnes and Noble and the comic book store. We will also advertise in the local newspaper as well as on our public website and through social media outlets.

Assessment Plan The best way to assess the successfulness of this series will be through attendance and circulation of the materials. If the programs are attended as well as or better than similar programs already offered by the library, we will consider it successful. In addition, if the

circulation of our graphic novels, especially of Persepolis, increases by a large percentage when compared to previous years, we can consider that our plan to increase awareness of these books to be a success. Finally, we will offer our standard comment card at the end of every program to receive feedback from the patrons on what they liked and what can be improved.

Sustainability Plan If this series proves to be successful, there are many ways it can continue to grow to become an annual event. The first plan would be to pick a new book to discuss and plan to

have that books author visit. In addition to having a new book, there is room for expansion of the series to include more programs. Some ideas for this includes holding a demonstration on how patrons can make their own graphic novel using online tools. It can be taught by local authors and would incorporate the librarys technological resources. There is also the possibility of including the childrens and teens departments to make the event more family friendly. Each of these departments can plan programs about graphic novels that are appropriate for their patrons as well as do a joint program with the adult services department to have a program that can be attended by the entire family. There are many ways that this program can continue to grow and change to better serve our patrons while increasing the awareness of graphic novels.