If you're close to Columbia University in New York City, make sure to visit Butler Library on their campus in upper Manhattan. Part of their large collection of graphic novels is on display on the third floor of the library. The display cases there present an exhibition designed to encourage interest in using these unique resources in curriculum and research. Seven themes are presented and for each theme an image from traditional art is matched with three images from graphic novels. The exhibition has been put together by Karen Green, the Columbia University Graphic Novels Librarian. For more information visit the University Library blog.

Look for the Will Eisner Booth at the American Library Association Mid-Winter Show in Boston. We'll be there from January 15th thru the 18th with information about Will Eisner, his Comics and Graphic Novels, Will Eisner Week, and the Comic Book Industry Will Eisner Awards. Write to Admin at this website, if you'd like a pass to the show.

There's more information about the ALA Show here: ALA Mid-Winter

Mark Anderson at Andertoons has been blogging about Will Eisner's "Spaceman Discovers Christmas" for the past 17 Days and tomorrow will be the last entry. Mark has been giving everyone 18 holiday gifts instead of 12. According to Mark, "Spaceman Discovers Christmas" was a short comic that Will Eisner and his commercial studio created in 1958 for Ben Franklin Stores. 1958 was well before The Spirit was rediscovered or Will Eisner's first Graphic Novel created. Amazingly, Ben Franklin Stores is still in business today, and claims to be the largest family of independently owned retail stores.

To read Will Eisner's "Spaceman Discovers Christmas" follow the following link, start at the bottom, and then read backwards. (Andertoons Blog) Enjoy!

Comic-Con International has announced the judging panel for the 2010 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. This blue-ribbon committee will be choosing the nominations to appear on the 2010 Eisner Awards ballot. The judges represent all facets of the industry - an Associate Professor, a Library Services Director, a Senior Editor, a successful Author, and a Comic Book Shop Owner.

The Eisner Awards are voted on by peers and professionals in the Comics Industry. For more information about the Will Eisner Award and the 2010 Committee visit Eisner Award Judges Named.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day in the US which marks the end of World War I. MTV posted an interesting interview with Will Eisner from 2005 about his work for the Army during World War II and about "PS Magazine." Here's a brief except and the entire interview can be found here.

"Will Eisner is well known today for creating "The Spirit," his blue-clad superhero that received the Hollywood treatment at the hands of Frank Miller last year. But lesser known is that Eisner was a veteran of no less than three major wars: World War II (where he was an enlisted man) and Korea and Vietnam, where he was a civilian contracter eventually obtaining the rank equivalent to a brigadier general. I was fortunate enough to know Will, and four years before his death in 2005, we chatted at length about his military service, how it related to "The Spirit," and his views on the extreme stresses of war.
"In honor of both Veterans Day and Will Eisner, enjoy this rare look inside the mind of the revered comics legend on this most serious of topics."
Splash Page at MTV

Have you read a Graphic Novel lately? If not, don't forget that you can visit your local library and borrow one.

To assist your local library and librarians, we're going to be exhibiting Will Eisner's Graphic Novels at the American Library Association show in January in Boston.

If you're going to be at the show, stop by and say "hello."

Write for more information or to receive a free pass to the exhibits.