OIF Blog

Freedom to Read Foundation 5th Annual Author Event

January 17th, 2010 ~ 6:00 to 8:45pm

Community Church of Boston ~ 565 Boylston Street

In conjunction with the GLBTRT Midwinter Social

Please join us at this fantastic event, where authors Lesléa Newman (Heather Has Two Mommies) and Michael Willhoite (Daddy’s Roommate) will be discussing and signing copies of their groundbreaking books.

Refreshments will be provided. 

Donations will be accepted at the door to cover costs and support the Freedom to Read Foundation’s Conable Scholarship Fund, and the GLBTRT is conducting a book drive of “useful and current” titles for GLBT youth to donate to the Community Church of Boston’s resource library.  Copies of the authors’ books will be available for purchase.

Schedule:

• 6:00 – 7:00pm: Socializing
• 7:00 – 7:30pm: Stonewall Book Award Ceremony
• 7:30 – 8:15pm: Lesléa Newman and Michael Willhoite
• 8:15 – 8:45pm: Book signing and socializing

Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy’s Roommate have been two of the most frequently challenged books in the U.S. since they were published 20 years ago. They were among the first children’s books to focus on gay and lesbian parents and have been challenged (jointly and separately) innumerable times, including during the well-publicized “Rainbow Curriculum” controversy in New York City. They were also the subject of a Freedom to Read Foundation court case in Wichita Falls, Texas, in which a federal court overturned a law allowing the “banning by petition” of those books and others.

Newman is the author of 57 books for adults and children. She is currently the poet laureate of Northampton, Mass. A resident of Rhode Island, Willhoite has written and illustrated several other children’s books, including Daddy’s Wedding and Uncle What-Is-It is Coming to Visit!!

For more information, contact Jonathan Kelley at (800) 545-2433 x4226 or jokelley@ala.org.

Tags: Freedom to Read Foundation, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Special Events by Jonathan Kelley
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Photos from the Freedom to Read Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Gala are now on the FTRF website, and the video has been posted to OIF’s Blip TV page.  The Gala was a marvelous event that raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the work of the Foundation.  Many thanks to the sponsors and volunteers for all their help!  See you at the 50th!!

Tags: Freedom to Read Foundation, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Special Events, Uncategorized by Jonathan Kelley
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OIF has four new videos up featuring programs from the 2009 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.  Check them out!

“My, those novels certainly are… graphic!”

One of the most popular intellectual freedom programs in years, this panel discussion was sponsored by the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, Association of American Publishers, and Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.  Speakers: Neil Gaiman, Terry Moore, and Craig Thompson. Moderated by Charles Brownstein of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

“Privacy in an Era of Change”

An engrossing conversation about the status of privacy under the new administration.  Cosponsored by the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee and the ALA Washington Office.  Speakers: Mary Ellen Callahan, Chief Privacy Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; David Sobel, Senior Counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation; and Craig Wacker, program officer for the MacArthur Foundation’s Digital Media & Learning initiative.

“Libraries, Librarians, and America’s War on Sex”

Sex ed advocate Marty Klein discusses the importance of having sexual information available to all library users.  Sponsored by the Intellectual Freedom Round Table.

“Intellectual Freedom on the Front Lines”

Librarians and library supporters from West Bend, Wisconsin share their perspective on the protracted censorship challenges going on in their community at this issues briefing session, sponsored by the Intellectual Freedom Committee and the Freedom to Read Foundation.  (See a blog post on the session from American Libraries’ Inside Scoop here.)

Tags: Censorship, Intellectual Freedom Committee, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Privacy, Special Events, Uncategorized by Jonathan Kelley
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Here are some intellectual freedom-related activities happening on Monday, July 13, 2009 at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.  Check out the conference wiki for more:

8:00 – 10: 00 a.m.

IFC/FTRF Issues Briefing Session: “Intellectual Freedom on the Front Lines: West Bend Library Supporters Share Their Story”
McCormick Place West, W-194a

The West Bend Community Library in West Bend, Wisconsin, faced an onslought of challenges earlier this year — including a lawsuit demanding that Lia Francesca Block’s Baby Be-Bop be publicly burned.  We have invited some of the library’s key supporters to share their insights.

10:30 a.m.– noon

IFC/Washington Office program: “Privacy in an Era of Change”
McCormick Place West, W-474

We have assembled a panel of thought-leaders on privacy – Mary Ellen Callahan (Department of Homeland Security), Craig Wacker (MacArthur Foundation), and David Sobel (Electronic Frontier Foundation) – to discuss the balance of privacy, security, and civil liberties in today’s digital age.

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

IFC/AAP/CBLDF program: “My, Those Novels Certainly Are … Graphic!”
McCormick Place West, W-184

From the Comics Code to recent cases involving obscenity and child pornography charges, graphic novels seems to always be under the censors’ microscope. Neil Gaiman, Terry Moore, and Craig Thompson will discuss the effect of censorship on comics. Moderated by Charles Brownstein, director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.  Cosponsored by the Association of American Publishers and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Merritt Fund “Reception for a Cause”
Hilton Chicago  (720 S. Michigan Ave.), DuSable Suite #2567

Please join other supporters of the LeRoy C. Merritt Fund as we celebrate another year of assisting librarians who are facing discrimination or defending intellectual freedom. Appetizers and wine will be served.  $25.00 suggested donation.

Tags: Censorship, Intellectual Freedom Committee, LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Privacy, Special Events by Jonathan Kelley
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There is a change of speakers for Monday’s ALA Annual Conference panel “Privacy in an Era of Change,” sponsored by the Office for Intellectual Freedom and the Washington Office.

Jeff Jarvis will be unable to join us.  In his place will be Craig Wacker, program office for the Digital Media & Learning initiative of the MacArthur Foundation.  Thanks to Craig for filling in on such short notice!

The program is 10:30-noon in room W474 of McCormick Place West.  Following will be a tweet-up!

We hope you’ll be able to join us for what promises to be a terrific panel on an extremely important issue.  Joining Craig will be Mary Ellen Callahan, the Chief Privacy Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, and David Sobel, General Counsel for the Electronic Frontier Foundation.  What has changed about the prospects for privacy – both under a new administration and given all of the changes wrought by technology?  Come to this panel and participate in our discussion!

For more on ALA’s privacy initiative, visit www.privacyrevolution.org.  And for a listing of other privacy programs happening at ALA Annual, visit http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=393.

Tags: Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Privacy, Special Events by Jonathan Kelley
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Here are some intellectual freedom-related activities happening on Friday, July 10, 2009 at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago:

1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

IFRT I
Hyatt Regency Chicago (on Wacker – not McCormick Place)
Columbus Hall H

**The first of 2 business meetings of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, one of the best avenues for ALA members to become involved in the IF activities of the association.**

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

IF 101
McCormick Place West
W-194a

**Part of ALA’s “Conference 101″ series of programs introducing new members & conference attendees to the various units of ALA and the exciting events going on during Conference.  At this one you’ll learn about IFC, FTRF, IFRT, the Merritt Fund, COPE, BBW, and more!**

6:00 – 7:00

Judith Krug Memorial
Hyatt Regency Chicago (on Wacker – not the McCormick one)
Grand Ballroom A

**The library world lost a great leader in April with the death of Judith F. Krug.  Since her passing, on April 11th, 2009, the outpouring support – form both within the library community and without – has been immense.  We look forward to coming together in person to honor Judith at this annual conference.  Please join us.**

Tags: Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Office for Intellectual Freedom, Special Events, Uncategorized by Jonathan Kelley
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In case you missed her last year, Carolyn Forsman is back! Please visit booth 3431 in the exhibits area at ALA’s Annual Conference in Chicago to check out her new designs – including the brand new “Obama Makes History” Front Page Newspaper Pins. As always, Carolyn has an incredible assortment of affordable gifts (top retail price of $50) that will make you smile. Her famous Banned Books bracelets are now joined by necklaces and pins, along with her standard flashing “spike” rings, glowing necklaces, peace symbol jewelry, and newspaper headline pins.  Proceeds from her sales go to support the important work of the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Carolyn’s jewelry is currently featured in the Museum of Modern Art (9 different styles) and Signals catalog, along with various other museums and book/gift/library shops worldwide. A former librarian and ALA Councilor, Carolyn has raised over $100,000 through the years for the Freedom to Read Foundation, and was named to the Foundation’s Roll of Honor in 2001.

We highly encourage you to visit her at booth 3431, browse for some summer gifts, and support the critical First Amendment work of the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Tags: Freedom to Read Foundation, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference by Bryan Campbell
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We invite all those who are new to ALA’s Annual Conference, to librarianship, to ALA itself, or to the world of Intellectual Freedom to attend the following session:

Intellectual Freedom 101
Friday, July 10, 2009
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

McCormick Place West, Room W-194a

This session is part of ALA’s “Conference 101″ series of programs.

Our excellent speakers will discuss the history and ongoing work of OIF, IFC, IFRT, FTRF, COPE, the Merritt Fund, and more! Curious to know what these acronyms mean? Want to get more involved in this critical aspect of librarianship?  This is the session for you!

Tags: Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), Freedom to Read Foundation, General Interest, Intellectual Freedom Committee, Intellectual Freedom Issues, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Office for Intellectual Freedom, Privacy, Special Events by Jonathan Kelley
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The ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, the Association of American Publishers, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund invite you our program, “My These Novels Certainly Are . . . . GRAPHIC!,” on Monday, July 13, at 1:30 PM, in McCormick Place W-184. This program will address the uniquely complex censorship issues that comic books face, both within and outside of libraries.

We have gathered together three of the best working comic artists today: Newbery Award winner Neil Gaiman, Strangers in Paradise author Terry Moore, and Eisner Award winner Craig Thompson. The panel will be moderated by Charles Brownstein, Director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Following the program, we will host a signing with the panelists. Stay tuned for more information!

Tags: Censorship, Intellectual Freedom Committee, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Special Events by Nanette Perez
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Since the death of Judith F. Krug on April 11, 2009, there has been an immense outpouring of support from both within and outside of the library community. All state chapters of the American Library Association—and many other groups—have passed resolutions honoring her life and achievements. Colleagues and friends of Krug have overwhelmed the staff of the Office for Intellectual Freedom with their notes offering memories, stories, and tributes. The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, and dozens of other magazines, blogs, and newspapers published articles and opinion pieces reflecting on the incredible impact Krug had on libraries in the last half the of the 20th century.

We invite you to honor Judith’s memory and her works during a reception at the ALA Annual Conference on Friday, July 10th, at 6:00pm. The event will be held in the Hyatt Grand Regency Ballroom A. Kent Oliver, past chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, will host the event. If you would like to say a few words, please e-mail me at nperez@ala.org.

Tags: General Interest, Midwinter Meeting/Annual Conference, Office for Intellectual Freedom, Special Events by Nanette Perez
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