Graphic Novels at GRCC

GRCC’s Library has graphic novels! Who knew? Graphic novels are “books made up of comics content. Although the word “novel” normally refers to long fictional works, the term “graphic novel” is applied broadly and includes fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work.” – Wikipedia.

This collection is used by graphic arts students, English as a Second Language learners, and those seeking a alternative to “too-much text”.  If you don’t see what you want, try our free MeLCat Interlibrary Loan Service where we borrow titles from other Michigan libraries (with larger graphic novel collections) we don’t own and alert you when they’re here.

Graphic Novels @ the Library

Although the GRCC Library’s collection is primarily acquired to support the college’s curriculum, our staff realizes the value of providing students options for leisure reading.  Breaks from studying and research are necessary and well-deserved, after all!  The library offers students fiction and graphic novel reading selections – in print and ebook versions.

Come in today and check out the new graphic novel display that is on our Circulation desk, designed by our Evening Circulation Associate Toni Harrington.  To browse more titles, head up to the second floor of the library where the graphic novel section is located at the beginning of the circulating collection.

To view a list of graphic novels retained, click here.

New graphic novel titles: October

Here are a few of the new graphic novels we got in October. A complete list of available titles is here.

Embrace Your Geekness Day

image from startrek.com

By Janelle Yahne
Circulation Associate

Everyone has a little bit of geek in them nowadays. Many people have regular access to a computer, use the Internet, and probably played at least one video game. The Smithsonian American Art Museum even created a show about video games but that is a bit off subject. Today is the day to embrace this part of your being. There is a difference between nerds and geeks with both being pretty cool and here are some infographics for clarification. Both are considered a badge of honor now that popular culture has caught up to the niftiness as seen in the show “Big Bang Theory” (there is even a shirt for this). All of these things are fun portrayals.

Though we can talk about embracing geekness, we have to also comment on bullying. Bullying is a problem in the United States with periodic reports in the media showing the tragic results that may occur. It is a wonderful story to read about a bus monitor who is receiving support by the online community with donations, but it is a sad story that the woman had to deal with the ordeal.  Some people who have grown up with a geek or nerd label, or any derogatory label, have probably felt the sting of bullies at one point in his/her life. It is important during this day of recognition that we remember to practice civility and to teach through example.I am planning on watching a few favorite episodes of Star Trek: TNG this weekend, but we have materials on bullying and really nifty graphic novels available in the library along with these interesting books to help you out:

Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out: Kids Living and Learning with New Media, by Mizuko Ito – A great read to see how technology has become widespread and how much has been embraced by the current youth.

Unscientific America : How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future, by Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum – Though not about pop culture geekness, science was traditionally part of the geek culture. An intriguing read about building student science knowledge and its importance.