#libcomix — Public Fediverse posts

Rob has a great eye and love for comics, and his recommendations over the years have grown my TBR pile, so I always enjoy his annual reviews.

#ReadAllTheComics #libcomix #comics #manga

https://librarypass.com/2026/01/20/comics-plus-spotlight-2025-in-review-robs-advisory/

A long but interesting read on B&T's impact on comics in libraries from Gina Gagliano.

Oddly, Brodart once again goes unmentioned as an option for libraries, especially considering their solid history with comics, in particular. 🤔

#libcomix

https://www.tcj.com/books-are-going-to-take-longer-to-get-to-libraries-what-baker-taylors-demise-means-for-comics/

I'll be at LibraryCon Live all day on Thursday, and I'm particularly excited about our featured session, Comics & Manga RA for Middle Grade & Teens (11am ET / 8am PT), where I'll be joined by three super-smart librarians who will share their comics and manga expertise.

Registration is free and there's other great sessions on the program, too. If you're attending, swing by our virtual booth and say hello.

#ReadAllTheComics #LibraryConLive #LibComix

https://librarypass.com/2025/10/15/join-us-at-librarycon-live-2025/

Every quarter I dig into our circulation data to see what's popular with readers in Comics Plus' 3,500+ libraries and schools, and this time I focused on titles that were new additions in 2025, similar to the “authoritatively” and “independently” ranked NYT Bestseller lists.

Among other things, our circ activity helps debunk the idea that kids aren't reading anymore, and that adults don't read comics, or worse, only read superhero comics.

#ReadAllTheComics #LibComix

https://librarypass.com/2025/10/14/comics-plus-most-popular-2025s-newest-additions/

I'm looking forward to #ALAAC25 next week, and we have some exciting activities lined up for the @librarypass booth (2262), including creator signings, and a comics and manga giveaway!

See you there?

#ReadAllTheComics #LibComix

https://librarypass.com/2025/06/13/win-all-the-comics-at-ala-annual-2025/

"While most publishers love what libraries represent, ebook licensing is a little more complicated."

At the day job, we often refer to our publisher partners as being “library-friendly,” but we've never explicitly defined what that means. Until today.

#ReadAllTheComics #LibComix

https://librarypass.com/2025/05/19/what-is-a-library-friendly-publisher/

With one quarter of 2025 behind us, I took a look at Comics Plus' circ data and wasn't surprised to see "backlist is frontlist" continues to be the #ReadAllTheComics secret weapon.

One of the main advantages of a deep, diverse digital collection for readers to explore is they can choose to read whatever’s most interesting to them at the time — regardless of how new or old, mainstream or niche, popular or “under the radar” a book might be.

#LibComix #ReadersAdvisory

https://librarypass.com/2025/04/09/comics-plus-most-popular-january-march-2025/

I've always despised the term "reluctant reader" and discourage its use at the day job, but I'd never taken the time to solidify my thoughts, never mind write them down.

Ellie Lathbridge wrote this excellent essay on why the term needs to be retired, and anyone who's used it in the past needs to recalibrate their definition of reading.

Comics and manga are REAL reading, too.

#ReadAllTheComics #LibComix

https://jcsonlineresources.org/blog/what-is-a-reluctant-reader/

I get to do some cool stuff at the day job, but our new Comics & Manga Book Clubs resource might be my most favorite thing we've done yet, especially the custom reader's guides!

This took a few months to put together, and we have more guides coming later this year.

(If you're not a librarian and want to check it out, send me an email.)

#ReadAllTheComics #LibComix #bookstodon #comics #manga

https://comicsplusapp.com/comicsplus-resources/book-clubs/

And our "Comics & Manga Programming in Schools and Libraries" panel was excellent as Jones, Purdu, and Schafer offered great insights on managing and promoting comics and manga collections.

It was a stressful two weeks putting all of this together, but it was totally worth it. 🎉

#LibraryConLive #ReadAllTheComics #libcomix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-UKo6stdqY

#LibraryConLive was good today.

I'm particularly happy with the publisher spotlight chats I did with Gina Gagliano (Avery Hill), Fabrice Sapolsky and Kristal Adams (FairSquare Graphics), and Bill Campbell (Rosarium).

You can watch them all in this handy playlist!

#comics #libcomix

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzQO2rDzFpGNMP3NGwKTDIxX2pG1t2s-s&si=C2qPTEvYTzSOA4n9

#LibraryConLive is my favorite library event every year, and I'll be in @librarypass's Indie Comics Spotlight booth all day, where we have three great interviews with Gina Gagliano, Fabrice Sapolsky and Kristal Adams, and Bill Campbell.

It's free and there's some great programming lined up, including our own Comics & Manga Programming in Schools and Libraries panel.

Check it out!

#libcomix #comics #manga

https://librarypass.com/2024/11/05/join-us-at-librarycon-live-2024/

Over the past week, I've recorded and (lightly) edited a webinar and three publisher interviews, all launching at LibraryCon on Thursday.

It's one of my favorite parts of the day job, but I always underestimate how much effort it all takes, and how wiped out I am by the time LibraryCon ends.

It looks like it will be another great event, though, and I'm once again getting that itch to do a podcast, which the three interviews all basically are anyway... 🤔

#libcomix

https://librarypass.com/2024/11/05/join-us-at-librarycon-live-2024/

I hate the term "reluctant reader," mostly because it ignores other factors like neurodivergence, or worse, gatekeepers deciding what is and isn't REAL reading.

This is a great read for anyone who needs convincing about comics and manga's accessibility to all types of readers.

#comics #manga #libcomix

https://librarypass.com/2024/10/21/comics-manga-and-neurodivergence/

"Manga is Not 'Backward', and the Format is Not a Reason to Restrict Access to a Book"

Manga Librarian, Ashley Hawkins, on why manga is an excellent way to engage readers of varying abilities, neurotypes, and reading levels.

#comics #manga #libcomix

https://mangalibrarian.com/2024/09/01/manga-is-not-backward-and-the-format-is-not-a-reason-to-restrict-access-to-a-book/

I'm attending my first PLA this week and will be posted up in our booth (819) during exhibit hours. If you're there, come say hi!

#PLA2024 #libcomix #ReadAllTheComics

https://librarypass.com/2024/04/02/win-all-the-comics-at-pla-and-tla-2024/

Over the years, I've moderated A LOT of webinars, and my favorites have always been those with panelists sharing insights on topics they're passionate about AND experienced in — preferably without a sales pitch attached.

This one is a Holy Grail-level opportunity!

If you ever wanted your comics and manga questions answered by real librarians, here's your chance!

#webinar #comics #manga #libcomix #libraries #ReadAllTheComics

https://librarypass.com/2024/03/20/ask-the-librarians-comics-manga-101-free-webinar/

Publishers pitching their titles on panels remains an oddly popular format with librarians, so I was excited to mix it up a bit by focusing on backlist instead of the usual frontlist approach in this one.

It was a great conversation, and you should definitely watch the whole thing!

#ReadAllTheComics #libcomix #ReadersAdvisory #bookstodon #comics #manga

https://librarypass.com/2024/03/04/mining-the-backlist-to-engage-readers-of-all-ages-archive-title-lists/

I'm still surprised that publishers pitching books on webinars still appeals to librarians, so I was thrilled with today's focus on backlist titles, and pleased by the thoughtfulness each one took with their selections.

We made connections to literacy, "reluctant" readers, and diversity; got some great insights into backlist performance driving frontlist decisions, and how book challenges AREN'T scaring them away from "controversial" topics.

#libcomix #bookstodon

ALA's #UniteAgainstBookBans' new Book Résumé resource includes support for four frequently challenged comics: American Born Chinese, Gender Queer, Maus II, and Persepolis.

The resumés detail each title’s significance and educational value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees, elected officials, and board members. New book résumés and updates to existing book résumés will be added approx every 4-8 weeks.

#libcomix #BookBans #libraries

https://www.slj.com/story/Unite-Against-Book-Bans-Launches-Book-R%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-Resource

Despite the day job, I've never been big on ebooks, partly b/c comics are still superior in print (sorry, not sorry), and partly b/c out of sight = out of mind.

I just cleaned up my shelf on Comics Plus and look forward to getting into these at some point. If I like any of the standalones, I'll probably buy them in print to finish reading them, but ebooks definitely have an advantage when it comes to long, expensive series. 😬

#ReadAllTheComics #comics #manga #bookstodon #libcomix

This is our 4th year participating in #LibraryConLive and it's become one of my favorites, particularly for the featured session we produce for the main program.

This year, I'm excited to put the spotlight on some great independent publishers: ABLAZE, Fanbase Press, and Red Comet Press.

Registration is free, and it's one of the best virtual events you'll attend for libraries and comics!

#ReadAllTheComics #libcomix #comics #manga #libraries

https://librarypass.com/2023/11/01/join-us-at-librarycon-live-2023/

Join me and guests from Image, Silver Sprocket, and Yen Press today @ 3pm ET to learn about Engaging Older Readers with Comics & Manga!

#comics #manga #webinar #ReadAllTheComics #libcomix

via @librarypass

https://librarypass.com/2023/04/19/free-webinar-engaging-older-readers-with-comics-manga/

Comics for kids get a LOT of attention, but what about comics for older readers? 🤔

Join me tomorrow @ 3pm ET / Noon PT for a conversation with representatives from Image Comics (Chloe Ramos), Silver Sprocket (Ari Yarwood), and Yen Press, LLC (Morgana Rhalina Santilli Hartman) spotlighting some of their favorite comics for older readers!

#ReadAllTheComics #libcomix #webinar #comics #manga

https://librarypass.com/2023/04/19/free-webinar-engaging-older-readers-with-comics-manga/

“No matter how good your product is, if you do not give us a data that is as good as your product, we can't sell it.” Katie Pride, Books with Pictures

For libraries, bad metadata means they can't circulate your comics as effectively as those with good metadata. Publishers, help us help you; support this initiative and improve your metadata!

#libcomix #comics #metadata #ReadAllTheComics

https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/53604/comicspro-new-group-look-ways-streamline-comics-metadata

"Building the next Comixology isn't going to be easy"

This is annoyingly direct market-centric, ignoring the broader range of comics, and (less surprising) no mention of libraries, but it's still an interesting take on what's involved in bringing a digital comics service to market these days, and why a direct comiXology replacement is unlikely.

What it misses is maybe a direct #comiXology replacement isn't what the market wants or needs in 2023?

#comics #libcomix

https://www.comicsbeat.com/why-making-the-next-comixology-digital-comics-platform-is-hard/

"The most banned comics since 2000 tell a pretty compelling story of what it is book censors dislike: queer stories, stories which tell dark truths about history, and any nudity which they can twist into claims of 'pornography' or 'explicit' content." Kelly Jensen, Book Riot

#ReadAllTheComics #FreedomToRead #BookChallenges #libcomix #comics

https://bookriot.com/comics-moms-for-liberty-call-inappropriate/

We're the little library vendor that could! @librarypass

“We’re proud to work with a library-friendly group of publishers who genuinely care about reaching more readers with as little friction as possible. Meanwhile, our age-appropriate guidelines ensure librarians can be confident in the collections we curate and make available to them and their readers.”

#ReadAllTheComics #libcomix

https://librarypass.com/2023/02/13/comics-plus-exceeds-one-million-checkouts-in-2022/

We're kicking our resource program into a higher gear at @librarypass with this deeply researched overview of graphic adaptations and their curricular value.

It's a great read for educators at every level, parents who doubt the value of comics, and anyone generally interested in the comics medium.

#libcomix #ReadAllTheComics #comics

https://comicsplusapp.com/comicsplus-resources/comics-in-the-classroom/

The day job's "Happy Holidays" email included a notable little update in the footer!

I've only seen a smattering of librarians and comics people here, but it's still early days. I'm going to slowly build a presence for @librarypass because I think it makes sense for libraries, in particular — staunch defenders of privacy — to get off centralized platforms that exist primarily to mine and profit from their data while disrespecting their users. 😐

#cmonson #libraries #comics #libcomix