Moni Barrette, a Librarian Who Makes Shh Happen
“Comics in libraries have the potential to be read indefinitely, you never know what discoveries can be made.“
- Moni Barrette
For more than 15 years, comic books have had an unsung champion whose work creates new readers and empowers indie creators. Moni Barrette is an energetic force to be reckoned with and a never ending idea machine on ways to better community—which makes sense—after all, she is a Librarian.
Passion for comic books runs deep for Barrette, and her personal connection to the medium has sparked what she refers to as a “Forrest Gump” journey. It’s easy to see what she means as her career and interest in comic books has resulted in her winning awards for library programs that incorporate comics, has become a frequent lecturer at San Diego State University and San Diego Comic Con, was a past President of the American Library Association’s Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table, was a judge for the 2024 Eisner Awards, and even starting her own nonprofit Creators, Assemble! Inc.
The intertwining of comic books and libraries began early in Barrette’s career. “When I worked in Orange County I would visit a local comic shop during my lunch break and I noticed how the community that went into retail shops compared to the library were different,” said Barrette.
Barrette’s keen eye for problem solving helped her identify how all comic books at her library were all mixed in the teen section, regardless if they were for mature readers. This would lead Barrette to learn comic book collecting 101 and understand how to code and catalogue titles, create space for comic books based on their age range, and even market the revised sections.
The next step in her career placed her in a library located in North San Diego County and presented a new set of opportunities. An initiative known as “One Book One San Diego” was a community-wide book club and the title chosen was March: Book One by John Lewis.
“I still get chills thinking about that experience. The usual book club members were used to reading the latest James Patterson novel but had to try something new. At first patrons felt the font was too small and didn’t like the pictures. But after reading it [March], they were begging for the library to pick up Book Two.”
This planted an idea in Barrette’s mind about the benefit and value of indie comic books in libraries.
“I like to think comics are for everyone and there is a comic book for everyone,” said Barrette. “Indie comics are more diverse and therefore can reach more people.”
Soon Barrette was developing new programs to expand visitors to the library and promote reading comics. One event focused on encouraging Dads to use the library offered free comics and included Star Wars cosplayers from the 501st legion. This program would go on to win the California Library Association PRExcellence Award in 2018 and Barrette would win again in 2019.
By the next year, much of the world had shut down due to COVID-19 and like many, Barrette faced a future of uncertainty but never lost her resolve. With the support of her family, Barrette’s tenacity for community building meant now was the perfect time to start the nonprofit, Creators, Assemble! Inc.
Creators, Assemble! Inc has celebrated 5 years since its inception and consists of librarians, creators, authors, and industry professionals. Their goal is to bring graphic novels and tabletop role-playing games into educational spaces and they host a number of beneficial events.
“I sometimes feel like Don Quixote. Just someone who’s stumbled into the most amazing events,” said Barrette.
Creators, Assemble! Inc has hosted events at Wondercon and San Diego Comic Con. Their speed networking events have connected aspiring creators with top tier talent such as Scott Snyder.
Barrette’s advocacy for indie comic books and up-and-coming creators deepened when she saw a way to provide her expertise as a librarian to connect creators with libraries looking to fill their shelves.
“The retail market is always great for creators, but libraries and schools offer huge opportunities for revenue, especially backlist titles.”
Barrette runs her own consulting company and is a firm believer that readers who have access to comic books through the library ultimately financially benefit creators.
“I’ve had patrons who have fallen in love with a comic and asked me to purchase an entire series or they purchased it on their own,” said Barrette. “Comics in libraries have the potential to be read indefinitely, you never know what discoveries can be made.”
Creators who work with Barrette’s consulting practice gain access to library-styled reviews, are given guidance on pitching to libraries, and receive metadata that makes adding comics to collections seamless.
Advocates for comic books like Moni Barrette are critical for both readers and creators and a reminder of why Librarians are critical to communities.
If there was ever a time to support your library—it’s now. This interview happened earlier this year, and since then the federal government has threatened library budgets and launched anti-intellectualism campaigns against resources that benefit and belong to everyone.
Moni Barrette gave a few call to actions for readers:
Understand how your local library works.
Get connected with the staff.
If possible, attend Library Board Meetings and look for ways to watch out for your library.
Creators interested in Moni Barrette’s consulting company can find more details here. To support Creators, Assemble! Inc, be sure to follow them or donate here.
This interview was edited for clarity.
If you don’t have one, get a library card. All the cool kids have one. Urge the House of Representatives to fund libraries!
Creators, Assemble! Inc at the 2024 SDCC.