Group 4 Larissa Hammond Brian Hughes Shamsha Karim Sarah Maddaford Michael Marstellar Allison Scheu

Copyright Marvel Comics

The purpose of this request is to seek funding through the Texas Reads Grant Program funded by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). The ultimate goal of the graphic novel program is to promote “reading and literacy within local communities,” which is a stated purpose of the Texas Reads Grant Program (TSLAC, 2008). Texas State Libraries and Archives Commission. (2008, October). Texas Reads Grants: Program Guidelines. Retrieved August 11, 2009, from Goal of Grant Request

One goal of public libraries is to promote literacy and interest in reading. Teens provide a challenge because they often claim to hate reading. The library needs to find programs that ease teenagers into reading. The best way is to cater to something they enjoy, such as graphic novels. If the library can connect reading with fun, then the teens will be more likely to pick up another graphic novel or even a book. Needs Assessment

Program Purpose This program seeks to promote literacy in teenagers through graphic novels. A high percentage of teenagers do not participate in recreational reading and this has had a negative effect of reading literacy in teenagers. We seek to instill a love of reading in teenagers by introducing them to graphic novels and from there, literature with similar themes, ideas and pacing to create lifelong readers. We expect participants will read more and enjoy doing so.

Program Design  Six (6) Weeks  Meetings and Discussions  Graphic Novel Purchases for Book Talks  Scheduling a Comic Book Store Representative to Visit

Program Design  Art Submissions for Comic Art Contest  Planning Book Talks  Scheduling Graphic Novel Artist Visit  Planning User Feedback

Timetable This program will be a six week program which will occur four times (once every quarter) over the course of the year. The six week programs will comprise of three book talks and a program with a graphic novel artist.

Weeks 1- 5: Preparation for the Program Week 6: Program begins. Week 7: Comic book store representative speaks to teens and librarians. Week 8: First Book Talk Week 9: Second Book Talk Week 10: Graphic Novel Artist Event (Art Contest Entries Due) Week 11: Final Book Talk/Program Concludes (Contest Winners Announced)

Budget The total cost of the program is approximately $4200. Each six week program will cost $1,050.

Cost Per Program Graphic Novel Artist$ 300 Novels/Comics for 3 book talks 45 each $ 675 Advertising (posters, flyers, brochures) $ 75 Total per program $ 1,050

Total Budget Breakdown Budget Category Texas Reads Funds Other Funds (if applicable)Detailed Description Personnel $ - Hours related to programs will be covered by library staff Fringe Benefits $ - Covered by library budget Equipment/Property: Only include items at, or above, your library's capitalization threshold $ - Supplies (includes library materials such as books) $ 2,700 $ - Novels/Comics for 3 book talks per program; 45 each X 4 programs Contractual Services $ 1,200 $ - Graphic novel (4 programs) Other (Specify) $ 300 $ - Advertising (posters, flyers, $75 (4 programs) Total $ 4,200 $ -

Appendix

Survey Part 1

Survey Part 2