For generations, the traditional view of reading has been tied strictly to prose in a book, and libraries are a place for quiet; if you made too much noise a stern librarian shushed you. On Sunday at 11:30 AM, the panel “Libraries & Comics: Making Comics Easy to Access” on the Comics and Pop Art track turned that notion on its head in AmericasMart 203A. Moderator Jami Jones led an energetic conversation with New York Times bestselling author Delilah S. Dawson, artist and former public librarian Davey Beauchamp, Georgia State University associate professor Jennie Law, and professional character artist and author Marcus “Marcusthevisual” Williams to champion graphic novels, diverse forms of literacy, and the evolving role of modern libraries.
The panel began by challenging the educational stigma that graphic novels and non-traditional formats do not constitute “real” reading. Beauchamp shared how comics helped him overcome dyslexia as a child, eventually propelling him through a master’s degree. Dawson recounted pushing back when a teacher urged her son to abandon Geronimo Stilton books even though he loved them. Dawson argued that parents and educators should never discourage an on-ramp to literature. “If it’s a graphic novel with very few words, they’re still reading,” Dawson said. “They find something they like; you support the heck out of it.”
Williams added that visual storytelling can transform a struggling student’s confidence, recalling having a failing English mark in ninth grade. His teacher pulled him aside to council him, recognizing how he loved to draw all the time. She gave him the option to draw anything he wanted out of the books they read in class for extra credit. That offer got him excited and made reading visual. After that, he read everything and retained differently. “Her classroom was wrapped with my art,” Williams said. “I finished the class with a B+.”
Law pointed out that the modern conversation around childhood literacy is often too narrow, and the other panelists agreed. Children navigating subtitles in Japanese anime, decoding complex metrics in video games are exercising sophisticated comprehension skills. Non-fiction comics covering history and science or STEM have exploded over the past decade, giving reluctant readers an accessible bridge to knowledge. “Even if reading the back of a cereal box, they’re reading,” Beauchamp noted, stressing that any reading material helps build a positive association with learning.
The discussion also highlighted the reinvention of the public library from a silent archive to a vibrant community hub. Beauchamp described running “May the 4th” Star Wars events, gaming nights, and tabletop roleplaying sessions that grew so large they spilled out into the adjacent park. He suggested that community branches should “bring the noise” to welcome families. Law echoed the shift toward active engagement, noting how she incorporated puzzle corners and hands-on zine workshops. She noted that a lot of college students are experience tech fatigue and wanting to do more hands-on projects.
Digital accessibility has also lowered the barrier for families through free apps like Libby and Hoopla, which Dawson credited as a game changer for her family. They can listen to audiobooks to make cleaning or laundry easier to handle. And self-returning digital loans means no more late fees. Law mentioned the many programs libraries put on, such as foreign language learning. Beauchamp noted that there may be many programs your local libraries are putting on that you won’t know about until you ask.
With libraries facing budget battles and censorship challenges across the country, the panelists urged attendees to become vocal advocates. “Talk to your libraries on how you can help them,” Beauchamp said, encouraging patrons to join local library organizations and attend county commission meetings to support your libraries. As Law summarized, librarians strive to be the supportive “grandparents of the education world,” opening doors to worlds that readers might never otherwise afford to explore. That only continues with your support.
