Week 13 Prompt response- promoting/supporting YA and graphic novels for adults

YALSA Bookfinder

When researching this topic, I came across this great resource that was compiled by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association).  According to the site, "These books and media have been selected for teens from 12 to 18 years of age, and span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. We encourage adults to take an active role in helping individual teens choose those books that are the best fit for them and their families." I think something like this is a really good place to start when it comes to providing comprehensive information on the best YA and Graphic Novel titles for patrons of all ages.  Featuring this on the library's website, and not just on the kids section, but in general information, gives those who are interested in this genre a good place to start.

Creating in-house opportunities is another good way to support YA interest.  A book club for adults but that features YA books and graphic novels would be a really fun way to make sure that adults not only have access to these genres, but also meet and talk with other adults who enjoy them as well.  The same can go for graphic novels, especially those that have had such an impact on the literary and political world (Maus and Persepolis were already mentioned, but the March trilogy, or Stitches by David Small also come to mind).  There are so many graphic novels out there that are worth discussing, and a graphic novel book club for adults would be a smashing success, at least in my city's public library.

I am actually working on a "Young At Heart" annotated bibliography for my final project.  It was something that I had initially though of during Valentine's day for the RAs in my department, in a kind-of-joking-kind-of-not spirit.  The idea initially sprung from the fact that we have many patrons who have been in our program for decades, and have read just about everything in their genres of interest.  It is a continual challenge to find books that these patrons will enjoy, especially if the want books without too much sex, violence, or strong language.  While it is true that many YAs do feature these elements, it is much easier to find YA books that are mild in comparison to adult books.  In my experience,  quite a few adult "gentle reads" are geared toward a Christian readership, which can be quite popular.  However,  there is a huge gap for adults who want more mild content, but writing of substance, without Christian or Amish themes.  This is where YA comes in.  Honestly, I think there are a good amount of YAs that could be considered literary fiction to a certain extent, with the exception, at least in my experience, of having a fairly satisfying resolution or ending (even if it's extra-sad).  They have compelling plots, they can be character-driven, they often deal with complex themes, and overall tend to be well-written.  Creating specialized resources, kind of like the YALSA site, but more geared toward your particular population, may just help the YA and graphic novel fans navigate those waters a little better.

With all of this in mind, promoting YA and graphic novels can be taken from 2 perspectives:
1.) promoting the genre to adult readers who might not normally consider reading YA or graphic novels
2.) supporting and providing info and resources for those adults who already know that they want to read this genre

Finally, the most obvious solution (at least to me) is creating a YA/ graphic novel display in the adult section at the library.  How often do adults (without children in tow) venture over into the YA section, running the risk of seeming like a total creep?  Creating neutral territory where this special genre of books can be accessed by all without creating any sort of weird circumstances would likely increase the readership of adults who already enjoy these genres, and would even potentially open a new genre for adults who are ready and willing to try something new.