Saturday, January 23, 2010

Graphic novels, grub, and guys

Librarians know that graphic novels are a wonderful way to entice reluctant readers, especially boys, to crack open a book and get sucked into a story. Keep those graphic novels well stocked in a highly visible spot with plenty of face-out displays and some comfy seating nearby, and They Will Come.

Even better, form a partnership with your local schools and get some volunteers (male, if at all possible) to read cool graphic novels aloud to 4th and 5th grade boys - accompanied by a large projection of each page on a screen or wall - while they're eating lunch at school. Invite the boys to come by your library after school or on the weekend to check out your huge selection of graphic novels. Invite them to a big Guys Read party at the library with plenty of guy games and guy grub. Watch their interest in books - and your circulation - soar! Hopefully, reading scores will rise as well. Dude power!

It can be done, as Alaskan librarian Gary Hill tells us.

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