The Canada Comics Open Library (CCOL) is a registered non-profit organization that aims to be an inclusive, educational, and recreational public space for comics and graphic novels while showcasing the work of Canadian creators and supporting comics communities. We define Canadian creators as those who have lived or worked within the boundary of the land referred to as Canada. This is to acknowledge that not all creators in Canada necessarily identify as being Canadian.
CCOL aims to fill a hole in the current cultural landscape with regards to comics accessibility. We hope to broadly promote the medium and creators through developing meaningful partnerships and a diverse collection. We also work with various Canadian artists and comics-related communities in Canada to promote accessibility to and recognition of the Canadian comics scene. We also want to be a part of increasing representation of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized comics creators, stories, and art.
Goals
We are building a diverse and inclusive collection using a unique cataloguing and display system. Our weekly calendar will be updated every Monday.
We are working with open source software, a malleable cataloguing and call number system, mindful subject displays with book facings to promote intersectionality, and knowledgeable reference services. We hope, through mindful open principles, to maintain a browsable and accessible comics collection.
We are working towards building a collaborative community space where anyone from any age or background can engage with comics and comics resources. We hope to be a centre for comics collaboration in Canada through arts events, instructional workshops, panel talks, and artist talks.
We established our flagship branch in Toronto, see our Contact page for more information. Our long-term goal is to build a comics library system across the provinces.
You can read more about the politics of our project and comics librarianship here!
Representation
At CCOL, we view comics as a medium, rather than a genre. As such, our library collection will be organized along lines which reflect its true narrative and stylistic diversity, ranging from such significant areas as life-narratives and mental illness to the explorations of the historical, fantastical and the speculative.
CCOL will also help promote Canadian artists on a local and global level through public outreach including our website and social media platforms. We are currently working on an online database for Canadian cartoonists!