Week 13 Prompt: YA Lit and Graphic Novels for Adults?

We, as librarians, should ABSOLUTELY serve adults who enjoy YA literature and graphic novels. I will scream this from the rooftops until my lungs give out if I need to. Reading is wonderful, no matter what format, medium, age level, etc. is being used. Reading facilitates constant and consistent learning no matter an individuals’ age. As information professionals, we should never shame someone or recommend a certain type or book or level of book solely based on their presumed age. As librarians, we should be working toward demolishing the stigma that is placed around reading for adults. When I staff the Teen Space at my library, I see so many adults that come in and feel that they need to explain themselves for wanting to pick out a YA book. I always tell them that they are more than welcome to come browse the YA collections and assure them that YA is my favorite too, and most likely always will be. I think that the best way to ensure that we serve adults who enjoy reading outside of the typical adult collection is to make sure that there is always a way for them to browse the YA collection. I know that this may look different depending on the library and their Teen Space procedures, but even then, we can make sure that they can find them through the catalog to at least place holds. Books are books, and just because they may be written with intention for a specific age group does not mean that they can only be read by that age group. Book lists can be a helpful tool to help adults feel more comfortable with reading outside of the adult collection. If book lists are created that says something along the lines of, “If you enjoyed this adult level book, then you will most definitely enjoy this YA level book or middle grade level book.” If it begins to feel more normal for adults, then they will begin to become more comfortable with stating what they enjoy reading. As for graphic novels, they bring a whole different type of learning to readers. Everyone, no matter their age, should be giving graphic novels a try.