Summer is the time for reading on the beach (or anywhere else!). Check out one of these summer-themed graphic novels for kids and teens. These titles will take you from summer camp to visiting relatives to long weekends at the cabin; all summer staples. Make those long summer car rides a little more bearable by picking up a fun graphic novel from the library.

On May 4th the library is throwing a party to celebrate all things Star Wars--May the 4th be With You! Star Wars is so much more than just the films. There are animated TV series, movie novelizations, graphic novels, video games, and more, and they all help expand the Star Wars universe we all know and love. Below is a sampling of the many Star Wars books and films (for children and adults) we have at the library.

While manga has become a mainstay of popular culture, many have yet to explore this exciting art form. Read on for a brief overview of manga and some suggested titles.

In a previous blog post, I explored shōnen manga; a broad category of manga that tends to focus on adventure, action, and plot. While shōnen specifically translates to “boy” or “youth,” it is enjoyed by people regardless of age or gender. The same is true for another large category of manga: shōjo (literally “young woman”). Shōjo manga is generally more interested in exploring characters and relationships, and romance is one of the most popular shōjo genres. Below are a few suggested titles (in a variety of genres) for those interested in exploring shōjo manga.

One of the recent major arrivals on the digital download resource Hoopla is Marvel Comics. Notable additions include the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Avengers, and Star Wars comics. I have highlighted some of the comics and graphic novels available through Hoopla, both from Marvel and other publishers.