See Yourself in Graphic Novels: Banned Books Week Traveling Collection

"See Yourself in Graphic Novels"

A Banned Books Week project by:

Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) acknowledges challenges to freedom of speech and the freedom to read, during the last week in September. This year will be Sept. 22-28th.

For Banned Books Week 2019, the Jane Bancroft Cook Library (New College of Florida), Alfred R. Goldstein Library (Ringling College of Art & Design), and the State College of Florida (SCF) Libraries will focus on graphic novels that emphasize depictions of diversity.

Graphic novels continue to be challenged because they are edgy, realistic and highlight difference. (Comic Books Legal Defense Fund, http://cbldf.org/) “See Yourself in Graphic Novels” will explore inclusivity by race, gender, orientation, religion and/or nationality. Our goals are to:

• Encourage the freedom to read,
• Raise awareness about graphic novels, the authors and illustrators who are challenged, and freedom of expression, and
• Make novels available to readers.

Our Banned Books Week's events will include invited speakers, an art activity, and a traveling book exhibit.

You can help us select the books by completing this survey. Which titles do you think best depict, discuss, celebrate diversity? Vote for the ten titles that you think you should be in out traveling exhibit.

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See Yourself in Graphic Novels is supported by a grant from the Women’s Giving Circle of New College of Florida, and the libraries of New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art & Design, and State College of Florida.