CHICAGO — Award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic theorist Scott McCloud have been selected Honorary Chairs of the 91´«Ã½’s National Library Week, April 6-12, 2025. The week celebrates the important role libraries and library professionals play in schools and communities.

Telgemeier and McCloud have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind graphic novel, “The Cartoonists Club,” coming from Scholastic’s Graphix imprint on April 1, 2025. They are also opening speakers for 91´«Ã½’s LibLearnX, The Library Learning Experience for library professionals, in January 2025 in Phoenix.

Their book tells the story of Makayla, who is bursting with ideas but doesn’t know how to make them into a story, and Howard, who loves to draw but struggles to come up with ideas. These two new friends, shy Lynda and inventive Art, come together to form The Cartoonists Club. Their beloved school librarian helps them discover the magic of comics, imagination, and their own storytelling powers. The result is a book where friendship is a work of art.

“I’m thrilled to be a co-chair of National Library Week because I know the importance of kids and communities gathering to share their individual types of creativity and inspire each other,” Telgemeier said. “When Scott and I were working on ‘The Cartoonists Club,’ that’s exactly what we had in mind. We wanted readers to know we all have talents, and together, we can overcome challenges to fully express ourselves. Libraries help so many people to find their unique talents.”

“I agree wholeheartedly,” McCloud said. “‘The Cartoonists Club’ is a graphic novel for kids, but the message is for anyone who's ever struggled to find the courage to express themselves. Raina and I are excited to show our readers how stories and art can bring people together, and libraries are critical to that process—now more than ever! I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate that partnership during National Library Week and beyond.”

The 67th National Library Week theme is “Drawn to the Library,” to draw communities into the library. The week highlights the importance of libraries of all kinds to the communities they serve. Telgemeier and McCloud illustrated materials for libraries, including posters and a bookmark.

“We are grateful to Raina and Scott for spreading the word about libraries during National Library Week,” said 91´«Ã½ President Cindy Hohl. “These two talented artists are the perfect spokespeople for libraries, and their message will resonate with people of all ages. Libraries go beyond the written word, and the art in ‘The Cartoonists Club’ will help readers find their own creative expression.”

• Telgemeier is the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award–winning creator of Smile, Sisters, and Guts, which are all graphic memoirs based on her childhood. She is also the creator of Drama and Ghosts, the adapter and illustrator of the first four Baby-sitters Club graphic novels, and, with Scott McCloud, the co-creator of The Cartoonists Club. Facing Feelings: The Art of Raina Telgemeier is a companion catalog for an exhibition held at The Ohio State University’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Telgemeier lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. To learn more, visit her online at goraina.com.

• McCloud is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art; Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels; Zot!; and The Sculptor. He is also, with Raina Telgemeier, the co-creator of The Cartoonists Club. Scott is a frequent lecturer on the power of visual communication, creator of the international 24-hour comic movement, and, in 2021, was inducted into the Will Eisner Awards Hall of Fame. He lives with his family in Oregon. McCloud’s art and stories are available in more than 30 languages and on the web at scottmccloud.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

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, 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .