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Keynote speaker

Britt White The World in Words and Pictures

Britt White is a dynamic presenter with a passionate desire to increase teen literacy though the use of graphic novels.  As the current Young Adult Services Librarian for the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System in New York, Britt definitely has a teen connection.  In addition to her library duties, Britt is a member of the Get Graphic! team that travels extensively to get the word out on the power of graphic novels.  The team provides instructional workshops, author visits, and exercises in comic and graphic novel creation.

Britt has presented to all age levels convincing them that graphic novels not only promote fantastic leisure reading, but they are important part of both educational reading for patrons of all ages. Graphic novels are astoundingly popular and can be as simple or complex as any other literature. According to the research cited at the teams website, www.getgraphic.org, reading graphic novels:

• Engages reluctant readers & ESL patrons.
• Increases reading comprehension and vocabulary.
• Can provide a bridge between low and high levels of reading.
• Presents an approach to reading that embraces the multimedia nature of today’s culture, as 2/3 of a story is conveyed visually.
• Provides scaffolding for struggling readers.
• Presents complex material in readable text.
• Helps patrons understand global affairs.
• Helps eliminate discipline problems as students are actively engaged in the text and graphics.
• Offers another avenue through which individuals can experience art.

Britt’s keynote message, The World in Worlds and Pictures, will show you how graphic novels are a natural fit in the classroom.  How has their rise in popularity in the literary world been mirror in the world of education? How are perceptions changing to allow for students to begin experiencing the world in words and pictures?

Britt will also present a three hour Friday session, What in the World? The What, Why, and How of Graphic Novels. Participants will explore the history of comics, graphic novels, and manga.  The resources presented will lead you to quality graphic materials for your library.
If you are not convinced that graphic materials are the right fit for your library, then you won’t want to miss the Saturday session Bringing Words and Pictures to Life. Learn how to justify the presence of graphic novels in the educational setting and discover how even “non-artistic” individuals can express themselves with words and pictures!