Growing interest in animation, particularly comic books and Japanese cartooning, has prompted the Sarnia Library to launch a new graphic novel and anime club for adults.

"Toronto has a number of anime clubs and some of them have conventions that attract thousands," says Jeff Beeler, a reference librarian interested in the genre.

Graphic novels are collections of comic books that are bound together in book form.
The Sarnia Library owns a number already, including the works of Frank Miller such as "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns."

Anime is primarily animation from Japan. Popular examples feature Astroboy from the 1960s and Ghost in the Shell animated movies from the 1980s.

The anime work of Studio Ghibli is available through the local library, including the feature film "Porco Rosso."

A club dedicated to similar interests is already up and running for ages 18 and under. Beeler said about 10 manga club members meet monthly to talk about Japanese graphic novels.

"We started that in February and have had a number of adults ask if they can join," he said.

Beeler hopes to get the adult club started Monday at 7 p.m. in the Sarnia Library's west room.

If enough join, it will be possible to meet with other anime and graphic novel fans in Sarnia-Lambton, and possibly order some movies.

For more information on either club, call 519-337-3291.

Labels: book clubs, comics in libraries, Ontario, Toronto