Public libraries are reporting growing demand for comics, manga and graphic novels - particularly among children and young people - with collections and activity programmes expanding in response.

A survey of public library services by Libraries Connected found that 100% of responding services (55) now hold comics and graphic novels, while over a third reported collections of more than 5,000 items. 

The survey also found that:

• Nearly three-quarters of library services (73%) reported that demand for comics and graphic novels is higher or much higher than five years ago, while more than eight in ten (82%) expect demand to increase further over the next five years.
• Demand is strongest among younger readers. Around 78% of respondents identified children aged 6 to 11 as among their most frequent borrowers of comics, while children's comics were the category most commonly identified as showing the strongest growth in borrowing over the last three years.
• Libraries reported significant benefits for reluctant readers, children, teenagers, dyslexic readers and neurodivergent readers. More than nine in ten respondents said comics benefit reluctant readers and children, while two-thirds highlighted benefits for neurodivergent readers.
• Comics and graphic novels are increasingly recognised as tools for reader development. Among respondents who completed the impact section, 97% agreed that comics encourage reading for pleasure, 85% agreed they support literacy development, and all respondents agreed they help build reading confidence.
• Libraries are expanding access through both physical and digital collections. More than 60% of services offer digital comics and graphic novels through the same platforms used for ebooks and audiobooks, helping readers access content beyond physical collections
• Funding remains the biggest challenge. Three-quarters of respondents identified budget constraints as a major challenge when building comics collections, and 86% said budgets are the biggest barrier to expanding provision over the next five years.

The research, funded by Arts Council England, confirms that comics, manga and graphic novels are no longer a niche interest within public libraries. They are increasingly considered a core part of a modern library collection, helping libraries reach audiences who may not be drawn to more traditional formats.

Respondents identified the popularity of comics on social media, and successful film and television adaptations, as key drivers of demand. Libraries are responding by expanding collections and developing activity programmes focused on comics, including workshops, creator events, reading groups, school outreach and festival partnerships.

While the survey presents a positive picture, it also highlights challenges that could limit future growth if left unaddressed. Libraries reported difficulties maintaining complete manga series, replacing missing volumes, accessing affordable digital content and navigating inconsistent age guidance and categorisation. Budget constraints were the most frequently cited barrier to expanding collections and meeting demand.

As libraries support the National Year of Reading, the survey highlights the importance of providing diverse routes into reading. The findings also reinforce the conclusions of the recent Education Committee inquiry into reading for pleasure, which highlighted the value of comics and graphic novels in engaging children and young people and recognised their role as a gateway into wider literacy, particularly for reluctant readers and children with SEND.

Libraries Connected has pledged to continue working with Arts Council England, librarians and comics publishers to improve the accessibility, availability and understanding of comics across the public library sector. This includes a planned webinar bringing together library staff and comics publishers to support collection development and reader engagement.

Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive, Libraries Connected, said:

"Libraries have always been champions of emerging and diverse forms of literature. The growing popularity of comics and graphic novels demonstrates the value of offering readers choice and responding to changing tastes. The challenge now is making sure libraries can continue to build on this success. We need sustainable investment, better digital access and stronger support across the supply chain so that libraries can keep providing the collections that readers are increasingly asking for."

Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said:

“We know that reading has long-lasting benefits across people’s lives and the growth of interest in comics and graphic novels shows how libraries are reaching new readers across communities. This research, that we are pleased to have funded, illustrates that while public libraries are meeting this increasing demand more support is needed. The Arts Council is committed to working with our partners to help ensure that libraries are able to respond to the changing needs of their communities.”

Mark Fuller, CEO of Comic Book UK, said:

“This research has reaffirmed what many of us have long known: people from all walks of life love comics! Libraries are on the frontline of ensuring that every community has access to all kinds of comics, building the readership our industry needs to grow as part of the UK’s creative sector. This is why it’s so important that they are backed with investment and support to bring an ever-wider range of comics to readers in ever-more innovative ways.”

Notes

Libraries Connected surveyed public library services in England in June and July 2026, receiving 55 responses out of a total of 152 library services. The survey explored the scale of comics, graphic novel and manga collections, borrowing trends, audience engagement, events activity, collection development and perceptions of their role in supporting reading and literacy.

See the full survey results

For media enquiries and interviews please contact James Gray, Marketing and Advocacy Manager at Libraries Connected. Email james.gray@librariesconnected.org.uk or call/WhatsApp 07849085762

Libraries Connected

We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with a range of cultural, academic and corporate partners.

Libraries Connected is an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation (IPSO), supported using public funding.

Arts Council England  

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. Between 2023 and 2026 we will have invested over £467 million of public money from Government, alongside an estimated £250 million each year from The National Lottery, to support individual practitioners, arts organisations, museums and libraries, and to help ensure that people in every part of the country have access to culture and creativity in the places where they live. Visit our website to learn more about our work. 

Comic Book UK

Comic Book UK is the association working to make the UK the best place in the world to create, publish and sell comics and graphic novels. Our members employ thousands of creative professionals who produce comics enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of readers every week and graphic novels enjoyed by millions more every year. 

Our work ensures that the UK comics industry is recognised as a vital part of the UK's creative industries, towards the goal of supporting UK comics to grow and add significant value to the UK economy.