Holy Graphic Novel, Library Man: Literacy Through Comics
Funded Oct 21, 2009How wonderful it was to receive the graphic novels because of your gifts, especially during these times when our library has been so harshly impacted by the economy.
Last year my library budget was cut in half; this year the amount has been halved again. I now receive a quarter of what I did 2 years ago. Such a limitation makes it difficult to maintain a collection of new, popular fiction titles–let alone procure a shelf of graphic novels–when the budget breaks down approximately to $1.50 per student (and so, I continue to be a thrift-store scavenger).
My student aides and I have been busily processing the graphic novels. How popular are the manga titles? A number of students have even asked me for the box that houses the Naruto titles. Students have been flocking around the processing table, reading the books before the novels are ready for the shelves. And, I must tell you about one student in particular. He is a special needs student who comes into the library every day. His pattern is predictable: he flops down on the floor, in the middle of a walkway, near the bookcase where we keep the graphic novels, and reads one after another until the bell rings. Once a week, if not more frequently, he asks in anything but a "library voice," "When are you getting new books?" I've told him about the new arrivals we're processing and his eyes, his actions, become animated. It's a joy to behold in the young man who had suggested that the library hold a bake sale to buy books for the library.
One of the graphic novels that you purchased is Seven Sons, and in that book we read this profundity: "That is the beauty of stories . . .They change. At least the good ones do. The best stories grow along with the people who tell them." Thank you for changing and growing the story, for making this project that was only an idea a reality. I am so grateful for your gracious donation to the cause and to our kids at the high school. May you receive 77 times the blessing of your gifts.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fowler