COVID-19 update; tips from the library on graphic novels, comics
April 17, 2020 - Gov. Ralph Northam said Friday that Virginia has received $1.6 billion in federal stimulus funds that will be used for COVID-19 response and aid to local governments. He also said Virginia has received more than 24,000 masks and much-needed personal protection equipment for those treating virus patients. Asked about the rules and regulations that will need to be in place once Virginia is ready to begin reopening businesses and easing safeguards, he said "We're not there yet."
Also Friday, the Virginia Department of Health reported that there have been 7,491 cases of COVID-19 in the state, 1,221 people hospitalized and 231 deaths. The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association said 809 people were currently hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virus and 499 people were receiving inpatient hospital care while their COVID-19 test results are pending.
Library tips on graphic novels, comics and more
Are you running out of things to do at home? Or maybe you're missing Superhero Day at Hampton Public Library? Library patrons are encouraged to check out some of these amazing graphic novels for a variety of ages. Some feature superheroes—some are awesome in other ways!
Patrons can use the library's Hoopla collection, https://www.hoopladigital.com/my/hoopla, to check out comics and graphic novels as well as electronic books, or ebooks. Search any title or author, such as Neil Gaiman or Maus. On a computer, the dropdown menu to the left of the search bar allows one to narrow the search to comics. When using Hoopla on a mobile device, your home page will present a simple choice between comics and ebooks. To find children’s-only materials, click the “Kids” mode at the top of the screen, or choose a filter to find “Children’s Titles Only” for any search. In addition:
The Young Adult Library Services Association of ALA curates a list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens, as well as the teen book finder database (sortable by genre), with many top ten lists and more: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/great-graphic-novels.
The Virginia Library Association Graphic Novel Diversity Award is currently in the process of choosing winners published in 2019. In the meantime, check out the amazing winners and honor books published in 2015-2018, in categories for youth and adult readers: https://www.vla.org/vla-graphic-novel-diversity-award
Wired magazine features classic graphic literature from a variety of traditions in “A beginner’s guide to the best graphic novels, from superheroes to manga”: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/best-graphic-novels
The most famous comic convention of all, Comic-Com International: San Diego, offers news about the Eisner Awards, “the comic book world's version of the Oscars,” as well as several other top comics awards: https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info.
Wikipedia offers a stunning list of graphic novels that have won awards, including those which have taken prizes typically given to text-only literary works, like the Pulitzer Prize, Newbery Medal, and World Fantasy Award: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_award-winning_graphic_novels.
Don’t forget, library staff is available to help you navigate the Hoopla collection from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 757-727-1312.
To get more information about the coronavirus, visit:
