The Impressive Anime Collection at Five Points West Library

The Five Points West Library is the repository of one of the largest anime collections in the Jefferson County public library system. The collection consists over 40 series, containing over 500 individual DVDs. Some of the classic titles found in our collection are Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Lupin the Third, Outlaw Star, Ranma ½, Silent Mobius, Trigun, Vampire Hunter D, and Wolf’s Rain.

Some of the most important directors in anime are also represented in our collection. If you are familiar with the 2002 Academy award winner for Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away, then you realize that I’m referring to Hayao Miyazaki. Director Miyazaki is an icon in the world of Anime. Other Miyazaki titles represented in our collection are: Castle in the Sky, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, The Secret World of Arrietty, and Whisper of the Heart.

Also represented in our collection is Director Hajime Yatate, creator of that most iconic anime, Cowboy Bebop. He is also famous for his work on the Gundam (Mech) series, Escaflowne, and The Big O, I and II. However, we also try to keep our collection current. Some of our latest acquisitions include: Bleach the Movie: Hell Verse, Book of Bantorro, Fate/Stay Night, Hetalia Axis Powers, Infinite Stratos, Kenichi: the Mightiest Disciple, Spice & Wolf, Tiger & Bunny, and Vampire Knight and its sequel, Vampire Knight Guilty.

If you’re in the mood for some action, don’t forget about Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, Get Backers, New Fist of the North Star, Ninja Scroll, the Series, Samurai Champloo, Silent Mobius, and Trinity Blood. If your tastes run more toward funny or light romances, check out Fruits Basket, His & Her Circumstances, I, Me, My Strawberry Eggs, Love Hina, or Peach Girl.

For anime reviews, I recommend www.themanime.org. It is an excellent source which gives ratings based on the star system (1= bad, 5=excellent). They can be sorted alphabetically, by rating, or by year or release. The reviews are thorough and easy to understand.

If you would like to locate our collection via the catalog, check under the following subject headings: Animated films, Animated films Japan, Animated films Japan video recordings, Animated films Japanese, Animated television programs, Animated television programs Japan, Animated Television programs Japan video recordings. Search the JCLC catalog for these subjects/titles. Reserve your copies today.

Submitted by Lorraine Walker
Five Points West Library