Following the successful collaborations with the Black Caucus of the 91´«Ã½ and REFORMA, the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table is pleased to announce two new initiatives for increasing and elevating diverse voices in GNCRT’s membership and resources: the Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force and the Rainbow Round Table/GNCRT Collaboration Core List Committee. Both initiatives are recruiting volunteers via GNCRT’s Get Involved page.

Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force

The Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force is a time-bound task force formed for the purpose of determining strategies to increase diversity in GNCRT’s membership and elevate diverse voices in GNCRT’s various opportunities. The task force will include active members of National Associations of Librarians of Color (NALCO) Affiliates. The task force will identify the issues and bring possible solutions and next steps to the GNCRT Board by the end of the 2025 calendar year.

Regarding the task force, Alexandra Rivera, President of REFORMA, a NALCO Affiliate, said, “Graphic novels and comics are portals to other worlds that are visually rich and culturally relevant, and often explore challenging social issues. I am delighted with the creation of the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) Elevating Diverse Membership Task Force as it builds on the strong partnership that already exists between the GNCRT and REFORMA. This task force will strengthen Latino, and other diverse voices within the Round Table.”

“Representation of diverse authors and characters in graphic novels is of the utmost importance because it demonstrates a world where diversity and inclusion are central themes to understanding a broader perspective on life,” said James Allen Davis Jr., Vice-President of BC91´«Ã½, a NALCO Affiliate. “The Black Caucus of the 91´«Ã½ supports the mission and purpose of the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) to elevate diverse voices. We encourage others to join this great work and to assist GNRCT in its mission.”

Rainbow Round Table/GNCRT Collaboration Core List Committee

Following two successful collaborations with the Black Caucus of 91´«Ã½ and REFORMA, GNCRT is pleased to announce its next Collaboration Core List Committee will be in partnership with 91´«Ã½’s Rainbow Round Table. The planned final annotated list will feature high-quality graphic novels that showcase LGBTQIA+ stories and creators. GNCRT and RRT hope that this core list will continue to grow and will serve as an important resource that advocates for the development of library comics collections.

Specifically, the list will recognize the best published graphic novels for all ages and in a range of genres with diverse characters and stories. The goal of the list is to increase awareness of the validity of the rich and diverse format of graphic novels and to specifically showcase LGBTQIA+ stories, characters, and creators. The list will act as an aid to librarians and library workers in the development and promotion of these graphic novels and will serve as an aid for readers’ advisory.

“The GNCRT is proud of its previous work in collaboration with BC91´«Ã½ and REFORMA, and is excited to continue this tradition of collaboration with the Rainbow Round Table,“ said GNCRT President Shira Pilarski. “Comics, especially queer comics, are frequent targets from ban attempts, and this is an important time to amplify queer comics and their creators.”

“The Rainbow Round Table is thrilled to partner with GNCRT to amplify the voices of queer creators and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ experience that exists within their stories,” said RRT Chair Chaz Carey. “This collaboration aims to highlight queer life and joy in comics and graphic novels, creating a platform for diverse storytelling that uplifts LGBTQIA+ experiences.”

To compile the list, GNCRT and RRT are forming a joint committee, composed of fourteen members. GNCRT will select a Co-Chair, an Administrative Assistant, and five additional committee members. RRT will select a Co-Chair and six additional committee members. Beginning January 1, 2025, the committee will read, evaluate, and nominate eligible graphic novels for consideration. The core list will be announced in January 2026 to coincide with GNCRT’s previously established Best Graphic Novels Reading Lists. Topical webinars and additional lists may be presented and highlighted throughout the year as the Committee completes and shares their work. Nominations for the list will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2025.

About the Rainbow Round Table

The Rainbow Round Table (RRT) of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) was founded in 1970 as 91´«Ã½'s Task Force on Gay Liberation. It is the nation's first gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender professional organization. It became a Round Table in 1999 and was renamed the Rainbow Round Table in 2019.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table
The 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 Facebook: 91´«Ã½ Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT 91´«Ã½ Connect page.

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 .