Got back last night from a great trip to the US where I spoke about graphic novels to a group of librarians from various schools in the Genesee Valley area of New York State. It was all part of their Library Devolopment Day, organized by the Genesee Valley BOCES.
Seventy five librarians from as many schools gathered for the one day event to connect and discuss reading and literacy. The day kicked off with a in-depth discussion on reading from Dr. Naomi Erdmann, a professor in the Department of Education at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, and the Director of Graduate Literacy Programs.
After a short break, I came on to discuss my work as a graphic novel writer and the ways comics and graphic novels can promote literacy to get reluctant readers hooked on books. The talk went really well and seconds after I finished, conference organizer Christopher Harris came up to me and said: “Great talk. It’s already online.” Turns out that Chris was live-blogging my presentation, which is a first for me and very, very cool.
After my presentation, I had a chance sign some books and talk with the librarians about graphic novels. Like most writers, I always enjoy meeting with librarians and teachers because I know I am around friends who share the same vision that reading and literacy are the key foundations in all aspects of education.
It was a great day and I hope my talk helped a few librarians see the value of graphic novels as tools for building literacy in young readers. Thanks to Christopher and Donna for organizing the event and for making everything go smoothly. I look forward to having the chance to visit the Genesee Valley area again soon and I’m hopeful that a few new young minds will soon be hooked on books thanks to a little help from graphic novels.
This is terrific, Liam, and how cool to be live-blogged! Sounds like it was a wonderful meeting of like minds. I’m sure you gave them lots to think about. I’ll be thinking of this: “Personal Interest, Action, Success, Fun, and Purpose.” Thank you!
Yeah being live-blogged was cool – and it didn’t even hurt. The librarians were a great audience. Many of them had hesitations about comics as literacy tools, so hopefully my talk showed them some of the benefits and ways they could work them into their literacy programs.
The five reluctant reader connection points are taken from the Boys and Literacy study conducted by Heather Blair and Kathy Sanford at the University of Alberta. You can find the full study here: http://www.education.ualberta.ca/boysandliteracy/ Interesting stuff and a valuable resource for teachers and writers alike.
Thanks Liam! I’ve bookmarked…
Liam,
Thank you very much for making the trip South for our conference. You did indeed alleviate many fears and concerns about graphic novels. For me, even as a long time reader of comics and graphic novels, it was a new idea to think of them as a format and not a genre. That perception opens up an entire new thought process where we don’t have to question graphic novels, but rather consider purchasing different subjects and genres in the graphic format as we would in a paperback, picturebook, audiobook, chapter book, reference book, or any other format. A wonderful idea!!!
Chris
Wonderful write up Liam,good for you.
Thanks for inviting me to the conference Chris. It was really a great chance to connect with educators and help spread the message about graphic novels. If it gets more kids reading, then the trip was definitely worth it.
And Elaine – thanks for dropping by and saying hi. 😉