91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The 91´«Ã½’s (91´«Ã½) Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is excited to announce the launch of the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award, a new award dedicated to recognizing excellence in graphic novels for libraries. This award strives to highlight exceptional comics publishing, recognize comics for their contributions to literacy, and promote high-quality works in the comics and library communities.

Starting in 2025, the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award will recognize exceptional titles in a total of nine categories across three age groups: Adult - Fiction, Nonfiction, Series; Young Adult - Fiction, Nonfiction, Series; Children - Fiction, Nonfiction, Series. In addition to the award winners, 1-2 additional honor titles may be named in each category.

“After decades of work in the library and comics sphere, we are delighted that as a result of a year of thoughtful and thorough work from the GNCRT Awards Exploratory Committee, we are able to establish the Outstanding Comics Award in 2025. These awards and honors will ensure comics are celebrated as a rich, engaging format in libraries for decades to come, and leave no doubt these works are on par with the best of other forms of storytelling,” said GNCRT Past-President Robin Brenner.

GNCRT President Shira Pilarski said, "This is a historic moment for comics in libraries. We, as members of the GNCRT, are thrilled to offer new opportunities for library professionals to embrace and uplift comics and their creators."

The GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award differs from other prestigious comics recognitions, such as the Eisner and Harvey Awards, due to its unique focus on graphic novels suited for library audiences. The GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award titles will be selected by a jury of library specialists, ensuring that the award recognizes works that resonate with readers across various age groups and contribute to the educational and literary growth of communities.

A dedicated committee for each age group—adult, young adult, and children—will be responsible for selecting the winners and honor titles. These committees, appointed by the GNCRT president, will comprise a diverse group of library workers, school media specialists, and students of library science. This will ensure the selection process reflects the breadth of experience within the library community. Volunteer applications are now open and GNCRT members can find more information at /gncrt/get-involved. (Volunteers must be 91´«Ã½ and GNCRT members in good standing.)

Eligible titles for the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award must be graphic novels, defined as trade compilations or original works published in sequential art format, and appeal to one of the three age categories: children (12 and below), young adults (13-19), or adults (20 and above). Eligible titles must have a print publication date between November 1 of the previous year and December 31 of the current award year.

The inaugural award committees will begin their work in January 2025 with final deliberations in January 2026. The award winning and honored titles will be announced in January 2026 and officially presented at the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago in June 2026.

For more information please read the GNCRT Outstanding Comics Award FAQs.

About the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the 91´«Ã½ is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on ; Twitter: ; Instagram: ; or check out the GNCRT website.

About the 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .