Welcome to the latest edition of Graven, the newsletter of the Jewish Comics Library of Seattle (JCLS). Sometimes hard work has a big payoff. Sometimes the payoff happens in smaller increments.
I made a presentation I called Expanding the Jewish Textual Tradition with Graphic Novels at Limmud Seattle in January. It was essentially the same presentation I made at a havdalah celebration with the Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound. If you are looking for a presenter or know someone looking for a presenter I've gotten pretty good reviews, so give me a shout out.
Also, at Limmud, I made contact with Josh Tuininga who just published his first graphic novel, We are not Strangers, and it is a prime example of the type of work at the core of the JCLS vision. I'll elaborate below.
I keep adding to the goals we are chasing, so make sure to read that last page for insight into what we are doing here at JCLS.
LibraryCat
Don't forget to visit our catalog. This is where we make our collection available to the public. You can browse, search by author, title, genre, topic or tag, and read reviews and other information about the books.
Anyone can browse the catalog but only paid subscribers will have access to accounts to check out books. Current subscription rates are $18 for an individual and $54 for institutions. Books can be checked out for 30 days and will be made available upon request.
Go to the catalog by clicking on the landing page image!
Collection Development
Collection development is an ongoing process that involves a lot of research, reading and conference attendance. I've been to two conferences since November, JewCE in NYC and Limmud right here in Seattle, so that is why I add them to the traditional research and reading activities. One of our most recent additions is We are not Strangers by Josh Tuininga.
Inspired by a True Story (Abrams ComicArts 2023)
When Marco Calvo arrives at the Jewish Synagogue to attend his grandfather's funeral, he is caught off guard by something very unexpected. Among his close family and friends there are some people he doesn't recognize at all. Several Japanese American families have arrived and no one is quite sure why they are here. Who are these strangers that knew his grandfather so well?
What Marco discovers leads him on a journey to explore the powerful true story of his Jewish grandfather who sided with Japanese families during the incarceration camps of WW2. Set in the multicultural Seattle Central District of the 1940s, We Are Not Strangers explores the unique situation of Japanese and Jewish Americans living side by side in a country at war. These perspectives converge in a portrait of a community's struggle with race, responsibility and what it truly means to be an American.
Among Our Goals
Nurturing Jewish American Culture through Graphic Novels: A Pathway to Cultural Enrichment
In the realm of graphic novels we believe they serve as cultural artifacts, enriching and contributing to the ongoing tapestry of Jewish American culture. Much like the Yiddishist movement in Eastern Europe, which was dedicated to the promotion of Yiddish language and arts, the Jewish Comics Library seeks to play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding Jewish American cultural expressions through the medium of graphic novels.
Graphic novels, with their unique combination of visuals and narrative, have proven to be powerful tools for storytelling and cultural expression. In the context of Jewish American culture, these works serve as bridges between generations, providing a dynamic platform for exploring the richness of our heritage while also addressing contemporary issues.
Much like traditional libraries, the Jewish Comics Library is committed to preserving the rich legacy of Jewish American culture. Through our extensive collection of graphic novels, we aim to conserve and showcase the diverse narratives, histories, and traditions that make up our community.
Simultaneously, the library can act as a catalyst for innovation and the generation of new cultural additions. By supporting contemporary Jewish artists, writers, and creators, we contribute to the ongoing evolution of our cultural identity. Through the lens of graphic novels, we explore the ever-changing dynamics of Jewish life in America, capturing the essence of our experiences, challenges, triumphs, and reflections.
One of the key strengths of graphic novels lies in their ability to capture a multitude of perspectives and experiences. The Jewish Comics Library is proud to feature works that span various genres, themes, and artistic styles, reflecting the diversity within the Jewish American community. From historical sagas to personal narratives, each graphic novel contributes a unique brushstroke to the canvas of our cultural heritage.
Our library is not just a repository of graphic novels; it is a dynamic space for dialogue and community engagement. Through events, discussions, and collaborative projects, we aim to foster a living cultural exchange. By bringing together creators and audiences, we hope to inspire new works, discussions, and reflections that will further enrich the ongoing narrative of Jewish American culture.
How You Can Get Involved:
Explore the Collection: Dive into LibraryCat. Our extensive collection of graphic novels showcase the diversity of Jewish American experiences.
Attend Events: Join us for events, book clubs, and discussions that bring together creators and enthusiasts. Stay tuned for coming announcements.
Support Local Artists: Discover and support local Jewish artists and writers, helping to amplify their voices and perspectives.
Share Your Story: We encourage community members to share their stories, experiences, and reflections, contributing to the ongoing cultural dialogue. Contact us here.
The idea for the Jewish Comics Library is more than a collection of books; it's to be a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating and shaping the cultural narrative of Jewish America through the compelling and visually captivating world of graphic novels.
Wishing you happy reading and a continued exploration of our rich cultural tapestry.