The FTRF Blog - Freedom to Read Foundation

The FTRF Blog

Read the latest news about FTRF and the First Amendment in Libraries and engage with thoughtful opinions from leaders in our community on The FTRF Blog.

Top tags: Banned Books Week Judith Krug Memorial Fund FTRF45 membership BBW2014 Conable Scholarship Roll of Honor banned books litigation Media Coalition special events ALA Annual Conference Barbara Jones Board of Trustees Carolyn Forsman election givingfREADom GivingTuesday grants Judith Krug remembrances Midwinter Meeting Theresa Chmara ALA Annual Conference censorship Emily Knox FTRF News Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund online learning ACLU

FTRF at ALA Midwinter 2015 - good times, great work

Posted By Jonathan M. Kelley, Monday, February 2, 2015

The blizzard that struck Chicago this weekend did not chill the spirits of FTRF members, trustees, and new friends at the 2015 Midwinter Meeting.

This morning, FTRF president Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. presented the Foundation's biannual Report to ALA Council and gave an overview of the litigation, education, and organization building efforts of the Foundation. The written report is available here.

On Saturday, legendary comic creator Jeff Smith gave a humorous, impassioned talk about his artistic journey and the experience of having BONE challenged in schools and libraries. It was at once FTRF's 9th annual Midwinter author event, and the second successful reception connected to FTRF45. We have some photos of the event on our Facebook page.

On Thursday, prior to the Board Meeting, the trustees and liaisons sat down to look at the progress of FTRF's current Strategic Plan and make suggestions about how to continue its implementation in the five areas of awareness, litigation, education, engagement, and capacity building. The ideas generated will be compiled and posted to our website in the coming weeks.

Thanks to everyone who connected with us over the past days - and we look forward to seeing many more of you at the ALA Annual Conference in San Francisco!

Tags: ALA Midwinter Meeting FTRF45 Jeff Smith Julius Jefferson strategic plan

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8 things to know about tonight's Jeff Smith event in Chicago

Posted By Jonathan M. Kelley, Saturday, January 31, 2015

Tonight's FTRF author event in Chicago, featuring Jeff Smith of BONE fame, promises to be terrific. Here are 8 things you absolutely need to know:

Tickets are still available. Get yours here. While there's no physical ticket, your name will be on the list at the door.
If you don't get your ticket in advance, you should still be able to pay at the door. However, there's no guarantee - so better to be safe than sorry!
How to get there:
- The event is at Roosevelt University Main Campus, 430 S. Michigan Ave. just north of Congress. It's 2 blocks north of the Hilton Chicago.
- H ere are driving & transit directions
- Here's parking information
- The event is on the 10th floor. There will be people on the main floor to direct you to the reception
Refreshments, including wine and beer, are included in the ticket price
Sequence of events:
- 7:00 p.m. - doors open, reception begins
- 7:45 p.m. - program featuring Jeff Smith
- 8:30 p.m. - book signing and more reception
- 9:00 p.m. - doors close
Books: Complimentary galleys of the upcoming BONE: Out of Boneville, Tribute Edition will be available for all attendees. Additionally, a limited number of the original BONE: Out of Boneville hardcover copy will be available onsite, with an optional donation fee requested. Attendees are welcome to bring their own copies of Jeff's books to be signed. Our thanks to Scholastic for their support of this event!
Our program will take place immediately after the University of Illinois' Downs Award reception at the Hilton. Again, Roosevelt is a short two-block walk from the Hilton.
It looks like there may be some snow tonight, so plan accordingly!