While the writing itself reads as though it’s been written on an 8th grade level, there’s still some interesting points being made in this article. Sure, the writer’s acting as though the term “graphic novel” hasn’t been around for the last 15+ years, but since she namechecks Neil Gaiman and Bryan Talbot rather than focusing solely on the manga boom, she gets a pass. It’s also interesting to see how much the circulation numbers in the library have increased, especially since at this time last year critics were concerned about a market bust.

Last week, Kristen checked out a huge stack from the Ephrata Library, where the young adult circulation has increased dramatically in one year.

For the month of April in 2004, young adult circulation was 151 items. For April of this year, it was 551.

Penny Talbert, teen librarian, says because of graphic novels, more young adults are reading.

“It seems the more I buy, the fewer we have on the shelves,” Talbert says.

Among Ephrata’s selection: “The Books of Magic,” by Neil Gaiman (one of the most popular U.S. authors); “The Tale of One Bad Rat,” by Bryan Talbot; and “Marmalade Boy,” by Wataru Yoshizumi.

Borders Book Shop & Cafe at 940 Plaza Blvd. has experienced a surge in graphic novel sales over the past year.

“It’s probably doubled,” says Lori Paules, office supervisor.

Spread the word!