Week 12 Prompt: New Adult Fiction & Graphic Novels

Recently, the children’s department in my library created a small “Tween” section of print materials, meant to serve youth experiencing the transition period between children and teen materials. For some children, this period can be frustrating as they feel they have outgrown the children’s room, but are not quite comfortable enough yet venturing into the teen room. This period of transition makes me think of this week’s prompt and the emergence of the New Adult genre and how it can serve our new adult patrons. I had not heard of the New Adult genre before this class, but it makes sense to have a genre that appeals to this particular demographic. Adults in their twenties are often adjusting to a new found freedom to live as they please, a responsibility to provide for themselves, and the pressure to pursue a career and/or a steady romantic relationship. It’s important for libraries to make available books which feature these themes as well as protagonists who are navigating these experiences.

Whether or not graphic novels are “legitimate literary choices” is a personal opinion and should not be a factor when considering whether or not to provide an adult graphic novel section in your library. Additionally, when it comes to what adults choose to read, I don’t think “age appropriateness” should matter. Recently, for example, I checked out both the adult biography, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer and the children’s mystery, Peril at Owl Park by Mathe Jocelyn. There is nothing shameful about being interested in books that you “should have outgrown by now.” My reading tastes vary greatly. Depending on my mood, I may pick up something by Chuck Palahniuk or something by Joanne Fluke. I might read a YA nonfiction graphic novel, or I might browse the new children’s picture books. Considerations in building adult collections should be questions like: Is there a need/interest/demand for these types of materials at our library? Might these materials serve the demographics in my community? 

For public libraries especially, it is important to stay relevant by keeping up with publishing changes and trends. If New Adult is an emerging genre, and graphic novels are being marketed to adults, libraries need to be prepared to provide these materials when patrons come looking for them. It may also be useful to differentiate New Adult titles from regular fiction by either creating a New Adult section or adding unique spine labels.