NGO Graphic Novels Library Malta (GNLM)successfully ended a crowd-funding campaign on ZAAR.com.mt with over €2,000 raised for the purchase of graphic novels for the Central Public Library in Floriana. The initiative, which started three months ago, is now set to enter its second phase.
“From the beginning, our goal was to donate a graphic novel collection to the Central Public Library in Floriana so as to give both adults and children the opportunity to read them, use them for educational purposes and flair their imagination,” Ryan Scicluna, GNLM chair and assistant librarian at the University of Malta, said.
Graphic novels, which are essentially a collection of comics in book format, include a complete storyline, making it easier for readers to finish a story. Their highly-illustrated format also makes them visually stimulating to children.
“The comic scene in Malta has grown exponentially over the past few years, and the fact that people who are not affiliated with us believed in our idea and funded it means the world to us,” Ryan said.
On top of raising more than €2,000, GNLM also received over 40 graphic novels as donations
On top of raising more than €2,000, GNLM also received over 40 graphic novels as donations, while the NGO itself has purchased The Classic Graphic Novel Collection, which is made up of 30 comics. These will now be added to the collection purchased through the money raised on ZAAR.com.mt.
“All this was done to continue building the Central Public Library’s collection, so we knew ZAAR would be our best bet. Ultimately, this is a platform that helps Maltese entities get their ideas out there to the Maltese public... we’re very happy ours succeeded.”
The project will now enter its second phase, during which GNLM will not only purchase the graphic novels listed on their page on the crowd-funding site, but also find volunteers to help conserve the collection, as well as to help those using it both for entertainment and educational purposes.
“The success of this campaign was the result of GNLM’s continued commitment and dedication to establishing comics and graphic novels as a tool to improve literacy,” Matthew Caruana, manager at ZAAR.com.mt, said. “The crowdfunding campaign was supported by other events, including the Free Comic Book Day at the National Library and Bay Street earlier this year, as well as informative sessions held at St James Cavalier to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Batman.”
In just over six months, the crowd-funding website, which is a joint venture between the Malta Business Bureau and the University of Malta, has proven itself a valuable source of finance for businesses, and cultural and philanthropic organisations, with new projects listed on a regular basis.
“We are incredibly pleased that GNLM’s campaign reached its targets and we’re honoured to be able to include it among our list of successful projects,” Matthew concluded.
People who are interested in discovering which titles are going to be added to the Central Public Library’s collection, are invited to visit GNLM’s project page.
www.ZAAR.com.mt