Library receives $2,500 grant for more youth graphic novels

The Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library is kicking off the new year by celebrating with a $2,500 grant from the Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation to purchase graphic novel children’s books for youth kindergarten through 12th grade.

The popularity of the graphic novels was apparent in the library’s 2021 circulation statistics as 54 of the top 100 circulating youth books in the past year were graphic novels. After the summer ended, some of the avid youth readers even expressed to the library how they had read all of the graphic novels in multiple series and were eager to read new ones.

Luckily, in early October the Hondo Public Library shared grant information with multiple libraries about the Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation based out of Holland, Ohio. The deadline for the grant application was set for Nov. 1.

The library had less than three weeks to meet the deadline for this new grant and submit a proposal letter to the foundation. The librarians had already observed the need for more graphic novels during the summer and were building lists of patron requests as well. Coming up with graphic novel titles became even easier as the library looked at the local school districts’ library collections. The library was able to determine which graphic novels were popular with them but were missing in its own collection.

In the end, the library was able to create a list of 143 graphic novel titles which will include classic remakes by Gareth Hinds (i.e. Illiad, Romeo and Juliet, Beowulf, etc.), autobiographical graphic novels including the March Trilogy by John Lewis, historical fiction adaptations (i.e. Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales and the I Survived series), the Maker Comics how-to series, and popular fictional series like Big Nate, Baby-Sitters Little Sisters Club, Amulet, Stranger Things, Ultimate Spider-Man, Disney Comics, and more.

“The library is extremely grateful it was chosen by the Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation as a grant recipient and cannot wait to share all the fun books with the youth in the community,” said Melanie Todd, library director.

Library cards are free to all Milam County residents age five years (kindergarten) and up. For more information about the library call 512-446-3410 or visit www. rockdalecityhall.com/115/.