This weekend, CBLDF is headed to Las Vegas to join thousands of librarians for the American Library Association’s Annual Conference and Exhibition. From June 27 – 30, you’ll find CBLDF at booth 2014 in the Graphic Novel – Gaming pavilion.
CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein will be on hand to talk about our work protecting the First Amendment rights of the comics community and our plans for Banned Books Week, which celebrates graphic novels this year. He’ll be joined by CBLDF President and Beanworld creator Larry Marder throughout the weekend!
During ALA Annual, CBLDF is delighted to be launching the CBLDF Banned Books Week Handbook, a guide to the challenges that comics face, an introduction to challenged comics, a resource for fighting library challenges, and a reference for Banned Books Week programing! We’ll also have the first of our new series of CBLDF Discussion Guides, which provide guided questions and activities centered around challenged graphic novels.
While you’re at ALA Annual, don’t miss The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund — Intellectual Freedom and the Defense of Graphic Novels and Comic Books, an introduction to CBLDF and our important work. The panel takes place Saturday, June 28, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., in room N240. From the ALA website:
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization that protects the freedom to read comics. At this presentation, learn how they have been a leader in opposing censorship for nearly 30 years by performing legal aid, education, and advocacy activities in the service of the community that reads, creates, and circulates comics. CBLDF’s Executive Director Charles Brownstein tells the organization’s story, introducing you to the readers, retailers and artists that the organization has stood up for in court. He’ll also profile their extensive education activities that range from sharing the history of comics censorship to providing letters and resources that help keep books on shelves.
In the past year, CBLDF has helped protect dozens of books, from Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis to Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl. CBLDF’s publications Raising A Reader and Using Graphic Novels in Education are vital tools in helping the next generation of teachers, librarians, and parents use comics to promote literacy. CBLDF Presents Manga and CBLDF’s daily news blog are just two of the numerous resources the CBLDF offers in the spirit of preventing censorship by expanding education and understanding about comics. The Fund’s efforts to fight censorship in courtrooms and classrooms are essential to protecting the future of comics. Learn what this small, but vital organization does, and how you can be a part of their ongoing mission!
Finally, Monday morning brings another CBLDF program, this time on the Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage at 9:00 AM
Get Ready for Banned Books Week!
This year’s Banned Books Week celebrates comics and graphic novels! Get ready by joining this roundtable with graphic novelists and library professionals sharing tips and ideas for how to make a splash with your patrons during the celebration. Moderated by Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Charles Brownstein, this session will also include special handouts designed to help you make this year your best Banned Books Week ever!
Join CBLDF this weekend at the Las Vegas Convention Center for ALA Annual. We’ll be at booth 2014!