Manga’s recent boom in popularity has ushered in new opportunities for libraries to connect with communities. Whether you are an avid manga enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore this beloved medium, we invite you to join us for a manga-focused “PowerPoint Party” tailored specifically for libraries.

In this free event, we’ve assembled a panel of seasoned librarians to share their expertise, strategies, and passion for manga collection development. Gain valuable insights on curating a dynamic manga collection, selecting age-appropriate titles, and fostering a welcoming environment for manga enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with peers, expand your knowledge, and discover new ways to engage your community through manga. Join us live on May 17th from 1:30 - 2:30 pm ET/10:30 - 11:30 am PT and register here.

SPEAKERS

Sara Smith: Sara Smith is the District Librarian in California and was previously a Teacher Librarian at a high school for nine years and an English Teacher for six. Her passion for manga began early in life, and after reading the “Sailor Moon” series in junior high, she was hooked. As a school librarian, Sara has curated a graphic novel collection of over 3,000 books, including comic books, manga, and graphic literature, which enjoys wide circulation. As District Librarian, she has helped 20 school libraries expand their graphic novel sections for elementary through high school students. Sara currently runs the Graphic Library website, which features graphic novel reviews for school librarians, educators, and anyone else who may find them useful. She also reviews for Booklist and School Library Journal, and previously, No Flying, No Tights.

Lisa Rowland: Lisa Rowland is wrapping up her 11th year as a school librarian in Jenks, OK. She has been reading comics most of her life and was introduced to manga in middle school. Her graduate research paper focused on graphic novels in the classroom, and she has been passionate about sharing graphic novels with students throughout her career. In her free time, she is often found surrounded by cats, being the cool aunt, and playing co-op board games with friends.

Jose Pascullo: Joe Pascullo is a Young Adult Librarian for the 53rd St branch of the New York Public Library, where he has worked since 2014. He is a co-chair for ALA Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table’s Best Comics for Adults Committee, a five-time volunteer for Pop Culture Classroom's Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards, and also contributes reviews to School Library Journal, as well as other blogs online. This is his second year of involvement with ALA GNCRT's Best Graphic Novels for Adults Committee, for which he is the 2024 edition's vice-chair. 

Rachel Forbes: Rachel Forbes is a Customer Information Specialist at the Oakville Public Library and has previously worked in the Collections and Programming departments. With 19 years spent as a librarian and a fan of manga, she has enjoyed an eclectic array of titles, including her eternal favorite series, “Fruits Basket.” Rachel is also a volunteer reviewer with School Library Journal.

Moderator Jasmine Amiri is the Graphic Novels Editor at School Library Journal and has been working in comics publishing for over 13 years, editing a wide range of titles, including Eisner and GLAAD Award-winning books. Her manga and graphic novel collection has been steadily growing for years and it might be time to invest in a new bookshelf. 

This webinar will be recorded, a link will be emailed to everyone who registers, and a CE Certificate will be provided for all live attendees.

Need help getting registered? Send us an email describing your problem.