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.