YA and New Adult Prompt

 

I had to really contemplate on this posting, because it hurts me to think that some people out there are saying adults should not be reading YA or graphic novels. For whatever reason, it just makes me think about how those words are hurtful and almost have a controlling sense to them, much like all these legislation bills we see to have books removed for certain age groups. In my experience as well as two of my good friends I work with in the public library, I have found that showing the community that we support their needs. It's not about what others think only the patron's we deal with on a daily basis interaction. I spoke to my co-workers/friends, and they gave me some insight that really helped me tame down my personal anger towards the nay sayers out there. 

At our library here at Eckhart, we actually have a section of graphic novels and manga. This shows we want to encourage adults to reach for these materials, if there is a strong interest in them. I have always been drawn to certain manga, and YA novels, even as an adult. I think it's because there is a level of comfort, but I was also discouraged to read these because of my age, or it would make me look less of an adult than I am. This was coming from a family member who really didn't know what or how to talk to me. Having a section like this helps adults feel more comfortable without so many teens looking around. We also had a Book Bedlam, similar to March Madness but literary style, and I had a YA selection (to me Newer Adult, but we have in teen as well), and my friend also had a manga selection. This shows our patrons what our staff like, and we also do this for staff birthday displays. I'm not afraid anymore to show what I enjoy. 

Another way to look at this is seeing the demand for titles in these areas. I had a lady come in saying, she enjoyed YA more than adult sections because they do not drag on depending on the story and sometimes are more heartfelt and simpler with the times were dealing with a few years back even till the present circumstances. However, some would argue that authors such as Stephanie Meyer, Suzanne Collins, and Sarah J Maas titles should only stay in teen. However, most of these authors do write about adult themes that teens can understand or have gone to writing adult fiction and vice versa. 

When it comes to YA and New Adult, I feel like it depends on the library and how the select where they should go. Regardless of how popular they are, they deserve to read by anyone who wants them. I know I'm always ready to read the next Maas book, or the next SpyXFamily manga. For me as a professional, I will always encourage anyone to read what they want without judgement. It's not my place to judge only to help and make sure a patron's needs are met at the time.