About us

The Graphic Library started as a passion project for main author Sara Smith, born from a conversation at a school library conference between herself and long-time friend & library bestie, Katie McNamara. After 1000 reviews, Sara has expanded the reviewing capacity and brought along some more enthusiastic reviewers to contribute to the site. Below are the qualifications these folks bring to the field of Comics & Librarianship.

Sara Smith

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​My name is Sara Smith, and I am the District Librarian for a rural district in California. Previously, I served as a teacher librarian at the high school in my district, and an English teacher before that.​

My passion for manga began early in life. I was introduced to manga in junior high from a friend. My first series -- Sailor Moon. After that, I was hooked. Since then, I have jumped back and forth between popular shōjo and shōnen series, but I tend to prefer the fantasy worlds frequently the setting of shōnen. My introduction to comics came much later. For that, I am sort of a band-wagoner. I started reading comics in the late 2010s as the popularity of comicbook movies grew. Now, I primarily read Independent comics, but have been known to follow a superhero or two.

As a school librarian, I curated a graphic novel collection of over 3000 books -- comicbooks, manga, and graphic literature -- and the section enjoys wide circulation amongst the students at that school.

I currently review for Booklist, or School Library Journal magazines. Both publications have limited page counts, so I tend to post everything else that doesn't fit on this website. I have also previously reviewed for No Flying, No Tights.

publications

* = requires subscription for access

Presentations

Below is a list of presentations I've given on the topic of graphic novels, and links to resources if I am able to share.

Podcast Episodes

I have had the fortune to be a guest on several podcasts discussing Graphic Novels.  Check them out below:

other contributing authors

Moni Barrette

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Moni Barrette has 16 years of public library experience at all levels and has leveraged that knowledge into working nationwide to get comics into libraries and schools. She is Past President of the American Library Association’s Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table, and co-founder of a nonprofit, Creators Assemble!, which is dedicated to connecting creatives in the pop culture space with educators to enhance learning opportunities. Moni also manages digital licensing and publisher relations at Comics Plus for LibraryPass, is a frequent lecturer at San Diego State University and San Diego Comic Con, and has spent the last 5 years assisting comics publishers and indie creators with their positioning in the school and library market. Last year, she had the honor of being an Eisner Awards judge, and Moni continues to work with various comics awards to ensure more indie talent receives well-deserved recognition.
  • Master’s Degree, Library & Information Science -- SJSU, 2009
  • Director, Collection Development – Comics Plus for LibraryPass
  • 2023 Eisner Awards Judge
  • Past President, Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table-American Library Association
  • President & Co-Founder-Creators Assemble! Inc.
  • Lecturer-San Diego State University

Katie Mcnamara

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Katie McNamara serves as a teacher librarian at a public high school in Central California and director, advisor, and professor of the Teacher Librarian Program at Fresno Pacific University. She is a Google Certified Innovator and an AASL Tech Troubadour. She served as president of the California School Library Association (2020-2021). Katie has authored contributing chapters and published many journal articles. She has won numerous awards for being innovative and sharing content. She enjoys learning, empowering teachers to inspire student learning, and frequently sharing her expertise as a national and global presenter. 

Along with helping others shine, she enjoys lots of conversation and friendly teasing with Sara about reading books with pictures. As a school librarian, she has a growing manga wall inspired by reviews in The Graphic Library. Currently, she is helping teachers add manga and graphic novels into their classroom instruction.

Speaker, Advocate, Neurodivergent. Boymom. Inspire. Empower. Create. Repeat.