At the Library: Local libraries providing expanded access to comics, graphic novels, manga

Every year, hundreds of thousands of comic book enthusiasts across the country attend various comic conventions in cities near to them, from Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle to San Diego Comic Con in southern California. While these conventions are primarily known for their comic books, comic cons have evolved over time to encompass interests like popular movies and TV shows, video games, books, and toys and collectibles. Though it may not seem so on the surface, public libraries are natural partners to many of these conventions as the San Diego Public Library and Seattle Public Library, among others, maintain a returning presence at their local conventions. For genre fans not able to attend a comic con in a larger city or for those who want regular access to more exciting content, your local library is the perfect place to dive into the world of comics and more.

The Latah County Library District is home to a variety of comic books, graphic novels, and manga, and as a member of the Valnet consortium, the number of comics available to fans and cardholders increases as libraries in the surrounding area contribute to this large collection. These comics and graphic novels are available for every age group and interest level from “Dog Man” for kids to “Saga” and “Sandman” for adults. Some graphic novels are even available in digital format using the popular eBook app, Libby, like the young adult favorite “Heartstopper” series.

In addition to comic books and graphic novels, genre fans can also access the thousands of movies and TV series that the library district and Valnet have to offer. Emerald City Comic Con, which takes place every March, sees high-profile guests every year from “Captain America’s” Chris Evans to “The Addams Family’s” Christina Ricci. Fans of these box office hits can check out all the movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or a variety of other cult classics. Many popular television shows from paid streaming services are also available at the library, including the first season of the popular video game adaptation” The Last of Us” or the latest season of “Yellowjackets.”

New to the Latah County Library District is a small video game collection that features games from consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, and Xbox One. While the popular E3 gaming convention has permanently shut its doors, patrons and gamers can still get their hands on the most recent hit titles at the public library, including 2023 game of the year nominees “Super Mario Bros.,” “Wonder” and “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.” At the Lewiston City Library, the Teen Zone is home to multiple video game consoles and video game tournaments are often held in the library’s event space.

Finally, the public library is also home to several tabletop games and companion guidebooks for fantasy roleplaying experiences, and they are all available for checkout.

These resources include a variety of “Dungeons and Dragons” adventure books, handbooks, and the core rulebook for the tabletop roleplaying game “Coyote & Crow,” which places players in an alternate future where the Americas were never colonized. Beginning and experienced players both have new adventures to explore at the library, and aspiring game masters can learn tips from resources like “So You Want to be a Game Master?” by Justin Alexander.

While big city comic cons may only be held once a year, your local library is a great resource for genre fans and conference attendees all year long.

All of these collections are available for use completely free with a library card, and collections are always growing and adapting. If a specific resource isn’t in a collection, patrons are always welcome to place a purchase suggestion for your library to consider. While it might not have seemed so at first, public libraries are a great first stop when entering into the realm of comics and fantasy.

Rivapalacio is the adult services manager for the Latah County Library District.