Comics and manga’s ongoing popularity with readers of all ages is no longer a surprise to anyone paying attention, but serving those readers well requires more than simply having a well-stocked collection. From book clubs and summer reading programs, to community reads and curriculum alignment — there are myriad ways to integrate comics and manga into your library’s programming.
The traditional book club has been an essential fixture of library programming in communities of all sizes, while opportunities for social interaction around shared interests are becoming more fragmented — especially online. A good book club can introduce readers to new topics, ideas, and points of view they may have never considered before, while providing a welcoming space to connect with other readers and share insights and recommendations.
“Despite having hosted book clubs previously, it wasn’t until I initiated a comics-specific book club that I realized the power these groups have to form deep, lasting bonds. Suddenly, we had more non-traditional library users (adults in their thirties who hadn’t previously engaged) enthusiastic to visit our library and discover more comics.”
—Moni Barrette, MLIS; former public librarian, current director of collection development for LibraryPass
Starting a comic or manga book club at your library or school might seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not personally familiar with the medium, so we’ve put together a free resource, Hosting Comics & Manga Book Clubs, designed to ensure you and your readers have the best experience possible.
- Prepare: What you’ll need to do before scheduling your first book club event.
- Promote: How to get the word out about your book club event.
- Participate: How to ensure your book club members have a great experience.
Comics Plus Reader’s Guides
This resource includes a dozen reader’s guides for some of our favorite comics and manga, including discussion questions and a notable review for each one. We’ll be spotlighting these titles throughout the year (and adding more guides in the summer), starting with two that are perfect Valentine’s Day reads.
Always Never (Dark Horse)
Always Never is a romantic read from Spanish cartoonist Jordi Lafebre that is both heartwarming and different from traditional lovey-dovey offerings, with a narrative style that warrants further conversation.
“Spanish illustrator Jordi Lafebre is perhaps best known for his collaborations with the great French writer Zidrou, with works like Les Beaux Étés (‘Glorious Summers’), Lydie, and La Mondaine (‘Vice Squad’). In Always Never he strikes out on his own, handling both the writing and the art, and proves he’s up to the task. This is a great love story across the ages told in reverse, allowing Lafebre many an artistic touch.” —The Comics Journal
A Boy Named Rose (FairSquare Graphics)
A translation of an acclaimed French graphic novel (Le Jardin), A Boy Named Rose is a stunning take on the queer coming of age story, with a distinct European vibe that will inspire hot takes and strong opinions.
Gaëlle Geniller absolutely holds your full attention with both the master crafting of the story and the phenomenal art style here. Vibrant colors contribute an element to the story that would completely change the mood of it if expressed differently. Could easily be turned into an animated short, and would do well. A Boy Named Rose deserves your attention. This will be on my recommended list to friends and coworkers. —Diamond Bookshelf
Read All The Comics!
“An absolute game changer.” School Library Journal
With Comics Plus, schools and libraries can offer readers unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, manga, and picture books from popular publishers like ABDO, Andrews McMeel, BOOM! Studios, Capstone, Cherry Lake, Dark Horse, Europe Comics, Fantagraphics, Humanoids, Image Comics, Kodansha, Lerner, Mad Cave, Manga Classics, Oni Press, Papercutz, Tokyopop, TOON Books, UDON Entertainment, Yen Press, and dozens more.
No holds, wait lists, or monthly borrowing limits—all at a price that won’t break your materials budget.
Learn more at comicsplusapp.com and sign up for a free demo account.
We curate high-interest, immersive digital content that helps schools and libraries expand and diversify their collections—without breaking their materials budgets.
