LibraryPass has announced a distribution agreement with Anyone Comics to make its reference guide, The Access Guide to the Black Comic Book Community, available to libraries and schools through Comics Plus. With Comics Plus, readers can access thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga through their school or library—with unlimited simultaneous access for online and offline reading.
Created by Dimitrios Fragiskatos, Joseph Illidge, and George Carmona 3rd, The Access Guide to the Black Comic Book Community showcases Black creators with comics or graphic novels that were published in 2020, their publishers, and stores and conventions that are Black-owned or run. The book is an invaluable resource for readers who want to find Black voices in comics, and for librarians and educators who want to diversify their collections.
“There’s no BISAC code for Black writers or Black artists, so the well-intentioned reading lists that come out every February always have gaps because it requires research and engagement to go beyond the five most popular creators or characters,” said Guy LeCharles Gonzalez, LibraryPass’ Chief Content Officer. “The Access Guide is a long overdue resource, and we’re honored Anyone Comics is making it accessible to readers, libraries, and schools through Comics Plus’ unlimited, simultaneous access model.”
“Seeing graphic novels in libraries for the first time as a college student was a life-changing experience for me,” said Illidge. “So it’s a thrill that libraries and schools will now be a gateway for people to read The Access Guide and learn about Black comic book creators, their work, and supporters.”
The Access Guide to the Black Comic Book Community not only fills a gap in the market as an invaluable resource for readers, it fills a similar gap in an industry that’s only beginning to recognize the need to expand its readership by addressing its lack of diversity across the creative spectrum and supply chain.
“The Access Guide isn’t intended to be the destination for authors, publishers or shops; the goal isn’t to be listed in the book,” said Fragiskatos. “The goal should be to take the information and use it to set your store or publishing house up for the future.”
“It’s for aspiring creators to see where they can set up shop and connect with readers or publishers,” said Carmona. “It’s for stores looking to expand their catalog of merchandise. Most importantly, it’s for that reader looking for something that reflects their world.”
For more information about The Access Guide to the Black Comic Book Community, visit comicbookaccess.org, or contact them at comicbookaccess@gmail.com.
For more information about Comics Plus sign up for a FREE demo at comicsplusapp.com or contact us at info@librarypass.com.
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