Shazam! Want to be a superhero for your library? Use your super power–COMICS! Comics and Graphic Novels have healing qualities and are being used to teach mental health professionals as well as to treat patients. But, why are graphic novels such a good medium to teach about and discuss mental health? The format makes complicated and sensitive information more accessible, and, through externalization, it allows the reader to identify with characters and issues. Graphic novels can also be used as a form of therapy. Learn about mental health comic titles and how they can be used for all ages for programming and as informational texts. Of course, it is important for librarians and support staff to take care of their own mental health before they can even begin to help their patrons who are experiencing issues. Throughout the presentation, there will also be mini-mental health breaks featuring tips for self care including drawing your own comic. So...Relax. Take a deep breath. Read a comic.
Learning Objectives:
identify resources and potential partnerships that can be used in different types of libraries to assist library workers as well as patrons.
accurately discuss the benefits of the format of comics to teach, discuss, and address mental health issues.
implement breathing and self care techniques for librarians to better succeed in their library work life as well as to better assist patrons who may be encountering mental health issues.
create and implement programs and partnerships for public, school, and academic libraries to address mental health concerns.
.jpg "Soline D. Holmes, MLIS (she/her/hers) photo")
