Graphic Novels Pack A Punch At Hauppauge Library

The Hauppauge Public Library is hosting its Great Graphic Novel Project through Dec. 15. Teens in grades 6 to 12 can sign-out graphic novels from the library, read and evaluate them to receive community service hours through the American Library Association. 

"This is the second year that the Hauppauge Public Library is participating in this unique experience," said Catherine Berntsen, Hauppauge's youth and family services librarian who is supervising the project. " [Teens] are at a time in their  lives when there are hundreds of distractions vying for their attention, it is a huge victory when we are able to connect teens with books in such a meaningful way."

The goal of the project is to motivate young adults to both read and help their community.

One of the participants this year is Hailey Angelico, an 11th-grade student from Hauppauge High School. 

"I like reading graphic novels... it helps the library figure out what teens are reading and it helps me to get community service credit," Angelico said.

Once reading the graphic novels, teens are have to turn in an evaluation of the book to receive credit for two hours of community service. The evaluations they receive are generally well written, thought out and compelling, librarians said.

Last year, a graphic novel was in danger of being removed from the list of eligible books for the project. Barbara Moon, youth services consultant at the Suffolk Cooperative Library System in Bellport, said a participating teen wrote a convincing evaluation of the book in support of its placement. The committee members were so impressed, they were persuaded enough to keep the book on the shelves.

 Hauppauge High School and Middle School students are encouraged to join the project.  The library is open from 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.  on Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sundays.