Concern #2: "Comic Books Are Junk Literature, Unsuitable for Libraries."

Eltingville Comic Book Club; © Evan Stuart Dorkin

• As with most aspects of popular culture, the vast majority of comic books represent "light entertainment" at best and "junk reading" at worst. The junk is fairly easy to identify and avoid. More important, there is nothing inherently wrong with light entertainment of good-to-reasonable quality. If librarians objected to this on principle, they wouldn't be purchasing Hardy Boy books, Goosebumps, or similar escapist fare for children and teens.

• Kids like comic books. This is, without question, the most compelling reason for libraries to purchase them.

• Many comic books and graphic novels represent serious works worthy of serious attention. For every ten titles like Vampirella versus Lady Death, comic book publishers manage to produce at least one outstanding title, such as "Maus: A Survivor's Tale." This is especially true of original graphic novels. Librarians can provide a wonderful service to their young patrons by pointing readers to the best material the comic book industry offers.

• Comic books can be an important tool to encourage reading and improve reading skills.

• Comic books represent a uniquely American art form and an important aspect of popular culture. Traditionally, libraries have collected, disseminated, and preserved all types of literature. No defensible reasons suggest why comic books should be excluded from this mission.

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  last updated on: January 14, 2001