Freedom to Read Foundation
Free People Read Freely ®
1969-2009: Celebrating 40 Years of FREEDOM
Judith Krug with Judy Blume, 2008 Banned Books Week Read-Out! Chicago
In Memoriam
Judith Krug, executive director of the Freedom to Read Foundation since its founding in 1969, passed away on April 11, 2009. Her achievements in the fight against censorship were unparalleled.
For more on her life and accomplishments, click here.
To read how her friends, colleagues, and co-workers have paid tribute to her, click here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Freedom to Read Foundation, 50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611
To donate online, visit https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=811. Specify Judith Krug Memorial in "tribute" section.
Freedom to Read Foundation Gala
On July 12, FTRF celebrated four decades of protecting the freedom to read at a GALA DINNER AND CELEBRATION at the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. Video and photos coming soon!
Check out the 40th Anniversary Gala program book.
About FTRF
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees all individuals the right to express their ideas without governmental interference, and to read and listen to the ideas of others. The Freedom to Read Foundation was established to promote and defend this right; to foster libraries and institutions wherein every individual’s First Amendment freedoms are fulfilled; and to support the right of libraries to include in their collections and make available any work which they may legally acquire.
FTRF was incorporated in December of 1969. Its charter lists four purposes:
- Promoting and protecting the freedom of speech and of the press;
- Protecting the public's right of access to information and materials stored in the nation's libraries;
- Safeguarding libraries' right to disseminate all materials contained in their collections; and
- Supporting libraries and librarians in their defense of First Amendment rights by supplying them with legal counsel or the means to secure it.
The Foundation's work has been divided into two primary activities:
- The allocation and disbursement of grants to individuals and groups primarily for the purpose of aiding them in litigation;
- Direct participation in litigation dealing with freedom of speech and of the press.
The Freedom to Read Foundation is a separate corporation from the American Library Association, working in close liaison with the ALA. The secretariat is located in the Office for Intellectual Freedom, ALA Headquarters.
Membership to the Freedom to Read Foundation is separate from ALA membership. To join FTRF, renew your membership, or make a donation to support the work of FTRF, click here.
News
3/4/2009: FTRF protests Topeka, Kans., sex ed book removals
FTRF to hold 40th Anniversary Gala, July 12, 2009, at new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Visit the Office for Intellectual Freedom blog for news and program updates!
OIF Blog headlines:
FTRF Updates:
Click here for past FTRF Updates
Freedom to Read Foundation News back issues and subscription information
FTRF in action
Gordon M. Conable Memorial Fund and Conference Scholarship | Frank Zappa Memorial Fund | Carol Nemeyer Memorial Fund
Legislative Updates (Media Coalition)
Organization
Special Highlights
Join the Freedom to Read Foundation | Renew Your Membership | Make a Donation
Other Links
Burton Joseph named 2008 FTRF Roll of Honor Award recipient
FTRF Trustee 2008 Election Results Announced
Audio of FTRF program with Anthony Lewis at 2008 Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, PA at the National Constitution Center. Moderated by FTRF Trustee Chris Finan, Lewis discusses his career as a journalist covering free speech issues and talks about his book, Freedom for the Thought We Hate: A Biography of the First Amedment.
See Theresa Chmara video on FTRF cases from 2007 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. The program is entitled "Status of Recent Litigation Affecting Libraries."
Lucille C. Thomas named 2007 FTRF Roll of Honor Award recipient
FTRF Trustee 2007 Election Results Announced
Enjoy the podcast from an evening with teacher, family therapist, and award-winning author Chris Crutcher at the 2007 Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, Sunday, January 21. Experience Crutcher at his very best as he recounts stories related to his popular novels! (See Chris Crutcher for FTRF.)
Carolyn Caywood named 2006 FTRF Roll of Honor Award recipient
FTRF Trustee 2006 Election Results Announced
FTRF Staff Liaisons to the Freedom to Read Foundation
Freedom to Read Foundation
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 4226
Fax: 312-280-4227
ftrf@ala.org; http://www.ftrf.org/
Deborah Caldwell-Stone
Acting Executive Director and Secretary
Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 4224
Fax: 312-280-4227
dstone@ala.org
Jonathan Kelley
Program Coordinator
Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 4226
Fax: 312-280-4227
jokelley@ala.org
Mail comments on FTRF Web site to jokelley@ala.org