I think that if adults wish to read YA, new adult, or graphic novels they should not only not fear judgment by the library, they should be marketed to by the library. Many of my favorite novels/series are YA, and I know many adults (not new adults, either, people in their 60s) who read this genre almost exclusively. The characters feature teenagers, true, but they have appeal to all ages. I can read YA fantasy and science fiction and really love it, something I can't do with those genres aimed at adult audiences. They usually just get too weird for me. I also appreciate that while there is some romance and sex may be hinted at, it isn't graphic and there is much more to the story line than physical attraction and who likes whom. Also, fantasy aimed at adults doesn't have the same charm and mystery as that written for a younger audience. I read the first book in the Deborah Harkness series, A Discovery of Witches hoping that it would be an adult Harry Potter, but it wasn't even very interesting to me. So I can totally relate to adult patrons who prefer genres aimed at a younger audience. Also, I noticed when reading fan sites about Harry Potter while waiting for the next books in the series, that many of the younger readers did not "get" the stories in the same way as adults did. If these children re-read the stories as they grow older they will find deep riches that they weren't aware of the first time around.
I don't have a personal stake in graphic novels as I don't read them, but I feel the same way about the issue here. If adults want to read comic books or graphic novels (and many do!) they should be promoted in the adult areas of the library as well as the teen areas. How are you going to reach anyone at all and turn them into a regular patron if you don't meet them where they are and connect with them in supporting their enjoyment of books THEY like, not what you think they should like? Who would want to use a library where they didn't feel comfortable checking out what they want to, or that didn't carry titles that appeal to them?
I agree with you. Adults should not fear judgment if they read a YA novel or a graphic novel. YA novels can take away an adult's stress sometimes since most YA novels have good endings. I am also not very knowledgeable on graphic novels either, but I do know a lot of people who enjoy them. Everyone has a right to read whatever they want, despite their age.
ReplyDeleteGreat prompt response!
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