The Graphic Novel Library comes from a long-standing desire to take what we do in our brick-and-mortar locations and expand it to a much larger community. Not just sell books, but curate and recommend some of the best, richest, and most interesting graphic novels that are carefully matched with the audiences and communities that we serve--and creating spaces for those communities to connect and grow.
In 2026, we are starting with the basics: one subscription for kids, and one for adults, delivered monthly, with a moderated online community to help us begin to connect with one another.
In the years to come, we envision so many ways to grow: in-person book clubs, subscriptions for manga and YA and various genres of titles, library partnerships, and so much more. If you are joining us this year, you are at the ground floor of a spectacular new thing. We look forward to growing with you!
Books with Pictures in Portland, OR was founded by Katie Pryde and opened its doors on Free Comic Book Day in 2016. From its inception, the store has prioritized inclusivity and diverse representation, aiming to be a welcoming space for all readers, especially those from marginalized communities. In recognition of its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, Books With Pictures was awarded the 2022 Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, an honor that acknowledges outstanding comic book retailers worldwide.
Katie and Andréa began planning a "sister store" to Books with Pictures in Eugene, OR in 2018 at a Janelle Monae concert, aiming to expand their mission of creating inclusive community spaces that celebrate the diversity of comics and their readers. After a year of preparation, Books with Pictures Eugene opened on March 3, 2020—just two weeks before Oregon's lockdown orders began. Despite the rocky start, the community rallied, and the shop didn’t just survive—it thrived!
Katie Pryde
Katie (left) is a queer single mom who has lived in Portland since 2009. Katie has worked and volunteered in bike advocacy, literary publishing, education, and tech. She has been running Books with Pictures full time since May 2016.
She lives with her two great teenage kids and her two cats, Maggie and Hopey, named for comics characters, of course.
Andréa Gilroy
Before opening Books With Pictures Eugene in 2020, Andréa (right) worked in higher education. She earned her PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Oregon (UO) in 2015 with a dissertation focused on comics. After graduation, she worked as a comics educator teaching courses at UO and Portland State University, helping curate comics exhibits, and speaking at conferences and conventions.
She lives in Eugene, OR with her partner Shaun, and their two cats, Toki and Kabu.