Freedom tonews Read Foundation

VOL. 39, NO. 4 V DECEMBER 2014 FREE PEOPLE READ FREELY®

FTRF45 celebrates LITIGATION history and future U.S. District of the Freedom to Court stays enforcement of Read Foundation Arizona “nude The Freedom to Read Foundation is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a image” law year-long series of events we are calling On November 26, U.S. District Court Judge “FTRF45.” FTRF45 has multiple goals: Susan Bolton entered an order staying honoring FTRF’s history and the heroes enforcement of Arizona’s “nude image” that have contributed to its impres- law. The order was issued based on an sive record of defending the freedom agreement between plaintiffs (including the to read, building the capacity of FTRF Freedom to Read Foundation) and the state, to expand our ability to defend the based on the understanding that the state freedom to access information, and legislature will possibly be reconsidering the spreading the word about the Freedom law in its forthcoming legislative session. to Read Foundations to new audiences. As reported in the October 2014 issue of Founders of the Freedom to Read Foundation, including , filed the FTRF News, the Foundation and co-plaintiffs organization’s articles of incorporation in on November 20, 1969. Forty- filed the lawsuit, Antigone Books v. Horne, five years later, on November 20, 2014, we kicked off FTRF45 with a live Google in June to challenge the constitutionality of Hangout, headlined by YA author Chris Crutcher. Crutcher discussed his Arizona’s H.B. 2515. experience with having books banned and challenged, and the importance of the Freedom to Read Foundation in protecting young people’s access to such works. FTRF Executive Director Barbara Jones University of Illinois Assistant Professor Emily Knox talked about the success welcomed the order staying enforcement of of the first iteration of the course she taught with support from FTRF’s Judith the law, stating, “Laws that interfere with the Krug Memorial Fund. FTRF General Counsel Theresa Chmara presented on the ability of libraries to offer constitutionally Foundation’s past and present litigation activities. protected materials run counter to the ideas on which the Freedom to Read Foundation The Hangout was recorded and has been posted on our FTRF45 page: www. was founded. in Arizona need ftrf.org/?FTRF45. There you can find links to all the FTRF45 events and other to be able to do their jobs without fear of initiatives throughout the year. prosecution.” There are two fantastic FTRF45 events planned for January: Dan Pochoda, attorney for the ACLU of • On Saturday, January 17 in Salt Lake City, FTRF will hold a reception in Arizona, said: “It would be a waste of the conjunction with the world premiere of the Pioneer Theatre Company’s Arizona taxpayers’ money to continue de- CONTINUED on p. 4 CONTINUED on p. 3 Freedom to Read Foundation News

FROM THE IN THE NEWS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BARBARA M. JONES in the News

FTRF gives grant to Highland Park, Texas group organizing against FTRF at 45: book removals Thoughts on This fall the Freedom to Read Foundation gave a $5,000 grant to HP Kids Read, an organization of parents in Highland Park, Texas working to coun- history, diversity, ter a move by some in the community to remove books from a reading list developed by the school’s English department. The controversy engendered by and the freedom the censorship effort has received significant national attention, including an to access article in . information In response to the censorship controversy, the district superintendent on Sep- tember 15 suspended seven books, in violation of district policy. The suspend- The Office for Intellectual ed books included The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Song of Solomon by Toni Freedom and Freedom to Read Morrison, Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, and Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely Foundation staff have been True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Many parents complained that books were thinking and talking a lot lately literally removed from students’ hands. One group of parents immediately about events in Ferguson, Mis- organized to urge the superintendent to reinstate the books, which he did on souri. Librarians around the September 28. country are so proud of Scott Bonner, Fergu- son Public Library’s only full-time , Speak Up for Standards—the parents group that wanted the books removed— whose ethical and professional instincts kicked has lobbied for the district to change its challenge and opt-out policies to make in when the riots began. When the schools them considerably more restrictive and to limit what books are taught in high closed, the library was open to help kids with school. FTRF is pleased to support HP Kids Read’s efforts to support the school’s homework. Bonner’s Twitter feed caught the teachers and maintain the academic integrity of the English department. attention of such authors as John Green and Neil Gaiman, both strong supporters of the For more information on the ongoing controversy, visit www.hpkidsread.org. freedom to read. And to date the library has received $175,000 in gifts—enough, Bonner Success in Delaware: Challenge to Cameron Post turned back says, to hire extra help for children’s services In the October 2014 issue of FTRF News, we reported on the removal of emily and programming. m. danforth’s YA novel The Miseducation of Cameron Post from a summer reading list at Cape Henlopen, Delaware schools. Since then, the book was It reminded me of how subject to another challenge in the state, at Sussex Central High School in and the freedom to read relate to access to Georgetown. This challenge, initiated by the Indian River School District content and libraries. Because Bonner and board president, sought to remove the book from the school library. After a his staff had the courage to remain open, in reconsideration committee voted to keep the book, the board president the center of the rioting, and provide access appealed, but on December 15, in the face of significant opposition from to learning for the entire community. And librarians, parents, and state and national organizations (including the because the library was known to the com- Delaware Library Association and ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom) munity as a safe and trusted space, it was he withdrew his challenge. packed during the riots and there were no incidents within that building. If that isn’t the ultimate demonstration of promoting the freedom to read, I don’t what is. Freedom to Read Foundation Regular FTRF membership begins at $35.00 50 EAST HURON STREET per year for individuals and $100.00 for , ILLINOIS 60611 organizations. Student membership is $10.00. We were also directly affected by Daniel Han- PHONE (312) 280-4226 www.ftrf.org [email protected] Membership dues, newsletter subscriptions, dler’s hurtful remarks at the National Book and contributions to FTRF: Award ceremony—remarks that threatened Barbara M. Jones, Executive Director Freedom to Read Foundation, to eclipse the marvelous winner, Jacqueline Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., President 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming. In fact, we Freedom to Read Foundation News You also can join, subscribe, and contribute at (ISSN 0046-5038) is issued quarterly to all (800) 545-2433 x4226 or at www.ftrf.org. are all trying to focus on Woodson and her members of the Freedom to Read Foundation. FTRF is a 501(c)(3) organization and CONTINUED on p. 6 Organizations also can subscribe to the Freedom contributions are tax deductible. to Read Foundation News for $35.00 per year.

www.twitter.com/ftrf 2 www.facebook.com/freedomtoread www.youtube.com/FTRFTube plus.google.com/+FTRForg VOL. 39, NO. 4 V DECEMBER 2014

Arizona “nude image” law stayed CONTINUED from p. 1 fending this unconstitutional statute. We hope that the legislature will embrace this opportunity to narrow the law so it reaches truly bad actors without infringing on protected First Amendment rights.”

On October 16th, Barbara Jones filed a declaration in the case. In it she said: NEWS & NOTES

I understand that its supporters have stated FTRF Trustee Nominations Open through January 15 that the Act was passed to criminalize “revenge Nominations are now open for the April 2015 Freedom to Read Foun- porn”—a term that generally refers to the dation Board of Trustee elections. Six positions on the FTRF board of intentional and harmful publication of a nude trustees will be filled in the election to be held April 1 – May 1, 2015. image, taken of a person in a close personal Each person elected in the 2015 election will serve a two-year term on relationship, and disclosed by a former partner the board, beginning at the close of the 2015 American Library Asso- after the break-up of that relationship, with the ciation Annual Conference in San Francisco and continuing through specific intent of harassing or humiliating the the end of the 2017 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. Trustees are person depicted. FTRF and its member librar- required to attend two one-day meetings per year, which are held in con- ies and librarians neither engage in nor con- junction with the ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting. done “revenge porn.” To the contrary, libraries and librarians value and respect privacy, and Nominations should be sent by January 15, 2015 to [email protected]. In are vigorous advocates of the right to privacy. addition, nominations may be mailed to Freedom to Read Foundation, We recognize that the abuse of a personal Attn: Nominating Committee, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. The relationship and the disclosure of private, nude Nominating Committee will select 12–18 candidates to appear on the photographs that the person depicted expected election ballot. The members of the FTRF Nominating Committee would remain private can be devastating. It are: Eva Poole, Virginia Beach (chair); Chris Finan, New York; and Mar- is entirely proper for legislatures to review tin Garnar, Denver. whether existing laws (including those which criminalize harassment) are adequate to FTRF members also may be slated for candidacy by petition by submit- combat “revenge porn,” and to enact carefully ting 25 signatures of current FTRF members in support of the candi- drafted laws that narrowly focus on addressing date. The executive director of the Foundation must receive names of the dangers of “revenge porn” without broadly petition candidates and the required signatures to support each no later infringing First Amendment rights. than January 31, 2015. Only FTRF members for the year 2015 are eli- gible to seek election to the board. To join FTRF or renew your member- FTRF has posted Jones’ full declaration, along with ship for 2015, visit www.ftrf.org/?Membership. several other documents related to the case, at www. ftrf.org/?Current_Cases. Also posted there is a fact Welcome Kim Diehnelt and Kristin Pekoll sheet outlining the reasons for our involvement in the The Freedom to Read Foundation is pleased to announce case. The fact sheet provides extensive details about that Kim Diehnelt has been changed from temporary how the law chills expression, the overbreadth of the to regular employee! Kim has served as Administrative bill (which the sponsor had promised to keep narrow), Assistant since late 2013, and has become well versed in and specific concerns that librarians have about the the ins and outs of FTRF’s membership and donation potential enforcement of the law. processing system. Diehnelt The fact sheet concludes, “In order to comply with the If you have any questions about your membership, a donation, news- challenged Arizona law, librarians in Arizona—and letter subscription, or anything else of an administrative nature, don’t outside of Arizona—will need to restrict the access of hesitate to contact her at [email protected] or (312) 280-4223. patrons to constitutionally protected materials of historical, educational and newsworthy importance— Earlier this month, the ALA Office for Intellectual or risk a felony conviction and the possibility of almost Freedom brought a new Assistant Director on staff. four years in prison. Given the enormity of the conse- Kristin Pekoll, formerly of the West Bend, Wis. Public quences, FTRF could not simply sit on the sidelines. In Library, is the new go-to resource for librarians facing the end, this is a law that FTRF had to challenge on censorship challenges, as well as the ALA State Chapter intellectual freedom committee chairs. behalf of its members and their patrons.” Pekoll

3 Freedom to Read Foundation News

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

Celebrating FTRF45 We also will be inviting FTRF members Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund as well as CONTINUED from p. 1 and other supporters to participate in a our litigation and advocacy efforts. tribute book, honoring both the Free- dom to Read Foundation and its leaders Finally, those who would like to make a production of Alabama Story (see and free speech heroes over the decades. donation to help us reach our fundrais- page 5 for details). And we will be improving the FTRF ing goal of $50,000 can visit our FTRF45 • On Saturday, January 31 in Chicago, History and Roll of Honor pages on our fundraising page at www.ftrf.org/ FTRF will host the annual Banned/ website. donations/fund.asp?id=12345. Challenged Author Event featuring For a collection of all information related Jeff Smith, creator of the Bone series. The celebration will culminate in a final to FTRF45, visit www.ftrf.org/?FTRF45. Find out more about this event on online event in November 2015. If you are interested in volunteering to page 8. On social media, we encourage the use assist with any aspect of the project, Additional in-person events are planned of the hashtag #FTRF45 for all posts please contact Jonathan Kelley at for later in the year: and tweets related to the 45th Anniver- [email protected] or (800) 545-2433 sary. Funds raised in the course of these x4226. • Portland, Oregon on Thursday, March activities will be used to support FTRF’s 26 during the Association of Col- lege and Research Libraries national conference. • Austin, Texas on Wednesday, April 15 in conjunction with the Texas Library Association annual conference. • New York on Friday, May 29 in con- nection with BookExpo America. • San Francisco on Saturday, June 27 during ALA’s Annual Conference.

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS Hope Operas and Fat Angie support FTRF

“Doing Good by Do- Fat Angie author helps raise funds ing Theatre” is the motto After her planned author event at a Texas middle school was for Hope Operas, a unique canceled under suspicious circumstances, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo event in Arlington, Virginia encouraged her social media followers to donate to the Free- at which local theatre folk dom to Read Foundation. She was write and stage five plays scheduled to discuss Fat Angie, the each fall. The plays are 2014 winner of the Stonewall Book serialized, and run during Award for Young Adult Literature, but Mondays in October; each play benefits a different charity. This four days before her visit, her talk was year, one of the plays, “The inTell Heart,” benefited FTRF. canceled, the order of 200 books was returned, and the principal emailed The theme for 2014 was “District of the Damned.” Each night, that “We are not interested in resched- after all the plays’ scenes, the audience voted on which charity uling.” Subsequently, FTRF received they want to support. In November, FTRF received a nice dona- several donations “in honor of Fat tion. Our thanks to director Catherine Aselford, playwright Angie.” Kristy Simmons, and Hope Operas for their creativity and generosity!

4 VOL. 39, NO. 4 V DECEMBER 2014

AWARDS & GRANTS Bringing an Alabama Story to Utah

Sometime in the waning months of the last millennium, trust- celebrates “those individuals who have contributed substan- ees and staff of the Freedom to Read Foundation were con- tially to the FTRF through adherence to its principles and/or tacted by a scholar, P. Toby Graham, whose focus was Alabama substantial monetary support.” libraries during segregation. His quest: to see a librarian, Emily Wheelock Reed, recognized by her profession four decades after Unfortunately, between the time the award was announced, and she risked her career for the freedom to read. when it was presented at the 2000 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, Emily Reed died at the age of 89. Her nephew, Jack, It was in 1959 when Reed, then the director of the Alabama Public accepted the award in her memory. Library Service Division (progenitor to the Alabama State Library) stood up to segregationists in the state legislature who wanted to Reed’s obituary was published by the New York Times, where- remove the children’s picture book The Rabbits’ Wedding from her upon it was read by a young playwright named Kenneth Jones. agency’s collection. The wedding, you see, was between a rabbit Fast forward to 2015. with white fur and another rabbit with black fur. The kerfuffle garnered international headlines; Ms. Reed, now in a spotlight she On January 9, the Pioneer Theatre Company will present the did not seek, kept the book available to libraries across the state. world premiere of Alabama Story, Kenneth Jones’ powerful play inspired by the aforementioned events of 1959. Jones contacted That incident was followed by another challenge from the same FTRF staff early on in the production process to alert us to its ex- quarters for including in her agency’s newsletter ALA’s list of istence, and to invite us to help spread the word. And so the idea Notable Books, which included Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Stride of a fundraising reception on January 17 was born (see sidebar). Toward Freedom, about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Again, Emily Reed stood her ground. The reception is the first in-person event for FTRF45 (see p. 1); in fact, January 17 is the 45th anniversary of the first meeting Although she left Alabama the following year, Reed maintained of the FTRF Board, at the 1970 ALA Midwinter Meeting in her commitment to intellectual freedom and in fact became a Chicago! It will take place between the matinee and evening charter member of the Freedom to Read Foundation in 1970. performances of Alabama Story. Fast forward to 2000. During the reception, we will take time to honor some of the After reviewing the information sent by Mr. Graham, FTRF’s heroes in Utah with whom the Freedom to Read Foundation Roll of Honor Committee conferred and agreed that Ms. Reed worked to uphold the right of libraries to maintain legal mate- was well deserving of the 2000 Roll of Honor Award, which rials in their collections, including: • Jeanne Layton, director of Davis County Public Library, who FTRF45 SALT LAKE CITY FUNDRAISING RECEPTION refused to remove Don DeLillo’s Americana from library Saturday, June 17, 2015 shelves—a stand that got her removed from her job. FTRF Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m. MST worked to help her successfully get reinstated. She won the 1989 Roll of Honor Award. Quinney Law Library, University of Utah 332 South 1400 East • J. Dennis Day, for 19 years director of the Salt Lake City Pub- Salt Lake City, Utah lic Library and for many years a Freedom to Read Founda- tion trustee—including serving a term as president. He was Co-sponsored by the Utah Library Association (ULA) named to the Roll of Honor in 1989, along with Judith Krug. and the Marriott Library at the University of Utah. • Librarians in the Davis County Public Schools, who helped Suggested donation: $25.00 General • $20.00 FTRF/ULA overturn the restriction In Our Mothers’ House in school members, and those attending either January 17 library shelves in the district. One of their number, Danae performance of Alabama Story. Leu, won the Robert P. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award from the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library Tickets will be available at the door. Questions? Contact and Information Science last year. Jonathan Kelley at [email protected] or call Kim Diehnelt at And, of course, we will honor the legacy of Emily Wheelock (800) 545-2433 x4223. Reed.

5 Freedom to Read Foundation News

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FTRF at 45 In 2015 you will see, in a series of blog of the Civil Rights Revolution, winner of CONTINUED from p. 2 posts, a history of what the Freedom to the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction, I Read Foundation has done over 45 years saw reference to this controversy! For a to support the freedom to read as it ap- librarian at the center of the integration book instead of the master of ceremo- plies to readers and authors of color. We battles, this was a big deal. The White nies. Handler supports the Lemony will analyze the banned books list and Citizens Council condemned the book Snicket Award given by the ALA, so we see what we can learn about U.S. society as “communistic” and promoting racial were especially committed to finding a from its trends. intermarriage—because one of the rab- resolution to this incident. bits was black, the other white. You also will see a project, based in Chi- When Handler apologized for his remarks cago and initiated by a group of librarians Later she got into further trouble when and donated funds to We Need Diverse from around the city who want to support she included Martin Luther King Jr.’s Books, we started thinking about actions young authors of color who want to find Stride Toward Freedom on a recommend- we might take to support this action. We a way to get published. Stay tuned, and ed reading list. The play will tell you what have always supported the freedom to let me know if you want to get involved. happened next. But I can tell you that if read for all. But there are other questions. We have been so gratified at the offers of the Merritt Fund had existed back then, What happens when a significant number assistance thus far from all parts of the her application for assistance would have of people don’t see their lives reflected writing and publishing world. been accepted. in the books they read? And what does it mean that a significant percentage As part of the FTRF45 celebration, please And stay tuned for further information of Banned Books have characters and read elsewhere in this newsletter about about FTRF’s proud history in defend- authors of color? And what happens the Salt Lake City fundraising event—a ing and promoting the freedom to read when libraries can’t afford to be open for play about Emily Wheelock Reed, the authors of color. homework, or to buy books? Like the rest Alabama State Librarian in the 1950’s of the country, the gap between rich and who defended Garth Williams’ book, The Happy holidays, as you celebrate with poor continues to grow in library funding Rabbits’ Wedding (Harper & Row, 1958). your families and friends and, just as well. How does this affect our shared Imagine my surprise when, in reading maybe, with a big thick book! value of the freedom to read? Diane McWhorter’s Carry Me Home: Bir- mingham, Alabama, the Climactic Battle Best Wishes, Barbara

PROGRAMS First Krug Fund intellectual freedom course a success

“Intellectual Freedom and Censorship,” the collaboration be- FTRF’s Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund, reported: tween the Freedom to Read Foundation’s Judith F. Krug Me- morial Fund and the University of Illinois Graduate School of “What truly made the class valuable were the guest Library and Information Science (GSLIS) took place this past fall, speakers Professor Knox invited each week. Each and by all measures it was a success. FTRF sent separate evalua- had stories about their experience with intellectual tion forms to the 19 Library and Information Science students freedom. Instead of just discussing the issues theoreti- who took the course, and the returns were uniformly positive. cally, we were able to learn from those who had lived FTRF’s assistance—including text books, historical articles and through IF situations. I really feel that after the course, videos from our archives, and guest speakers on a variety of top- I now have a more nuanced understanding of intel- ics—was particularly appreciated. FTRF and GSLIS plan to offer lectual freedom and if I run into an IF issue in my the course again in Fall 2015, and will look to have participation professional career, I will be prepared to manage the from more students from LIS programs across the nation. situation.”

One student, Jamie D. Carlston, a student at Dominican Thanks to Professor Emily Knox and to consultant Joyce University who was one of two recipients of scholarships from McIntosh, both of whom did terrific work to bring this initiative to fruition.

6 VOL. 39, NO. 4 V DECEMBER 2014

AWARDS & GRANTS 2014—“Have You Seen Us?”

The seven recipients of 2014 Banned Books Week grants from DePaul University Library and DePaul University FTRF’s Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund put together some inven- Center for Writing-based Learning tive, memorable events. This year’s theme was banned and In Chicago, librarians spread challenged graphic novels and comics, and many of the events the message of Banned Books focused on such publications. Week to their students via a radio program, information For more photos and videos, visit www.ftrf.org/?BBW2014. booths, raffles, and a panel dis- cussion featuring local authors ACLU of —Greater Chapter and students discussing their This ACLU chapter from Judith experiences with censorship. Of Krug’s hometown hosted its note, students from Lane Tech 19th annual Banned Books High School’s banned books club “451 Degrees” discussed the Week event, “FREADom,” at controversy they faced over Persepolis. the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill. This diverse, Nashua High School North (N.H.) mixed media program featured Organizers wove banned and readings from The Miseducation challenged books into a three- of Cameron Post and Huckle- week-long literacy celebra- berry Finn, performances of Dixie Chicks songs, a discussion tion that involved over 1,000 of censorship faced by Charlie Chaplin, and video segments of students, 100 families, and the “banned advertising.” A month later, for the 4th year in a row, school mascot. English classes the ACLU presented “Banned After Dark,” an adults-oriented included banned books in their evening of risque art, music, and literature. lessons, drama students per- formed renditions of banned Charleston Friends of the Library children’s books, and students researched banned books facts to This South Caro- be included in the morning announcements. lina organization hosted its first Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association Banned Books Week Partnering with the Alexandria Public Read-Out at an art Library, this organization featured a museum downtown. dance performance to the sound of A full house enjoyed banned books being read, a lecture on local writers and artists reading from Sophie’s Choice, Leaves of banned books of the ancient world, a Grass, and Fun Home—which was the cause of a major chal- Read-Out, and a “Library Survivor” lenge in 2014 involving the state legislature. Additional events improv adventure. took place at the College of Charleston and Charleston County Public Library. LGBT Center of Raleigh Library This community organization coordinated Columbus State Community College several events to celebrate its first Banned This college developed a seemingly Books Week celebration: a “wildly success- endless array of online and in-person ful” booth at the North Carolina Pride events and displays, including an open Festival, two book club selections, a Family mic, a day of service at a local library, a Story Time program with And Tango story booth, and an online “film festival” Makes Three and an Open Mic Night Read- on Pinterest. Nothing proved as popular, Out. however, as the “Which Banned Book Are You” online quiz, which was shared over 329,000 times!

7 Freedom to Read Foundation FIRST CLASS MAIL American Library Association PRESORTED 50 East Huron Street US. POSTAGE PAID Chicago, IL 60611-2795 USA HANOVER, PA Address Service Requested PERMIT NO. 4

VOL. 39, NO. 4 V DECEMBER 2014 Inside this issue of FTRF News... FTRF45 kicks off, p. 1 Arizona nude images statute stayed, p. 1 Censorship in the news, p. 2 An Alabama Story brought to Utah, p. 5 FTRF/GSLIS course a success, p. 6 Banned Books Week: a look back, p. 7

FTRF at ALA 2015 Midwinter Meeting in Chicago

Friday, January 30 Saturday, January 31

FTRF BOARD OF TRUSTEES JEFF SMITH, CREATOR OF BONE MEETING 9th Annual FTRF Banned Author Event & Fundraiser Learn about the cases FTRF is working on, legislation affect- ing the freedom to read, ongoing projects, and new initiatives. 7:00–9:00 p.m. Roosevelt University Library 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. 430 S. Michigan Ave. McCormick Place, Room W187b www.ftrf.org/event/2015midwinter

Saturday, January 31 FTRF members: $25 * General public: $30

Reception for Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award, Reception and book signing to follow. An FTRF45 event. presented by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Jeff Smith is an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of the comic book series BONE. After four years of 2014 recipients: The staff and board of trustees of the Orland drawing comic strips for The Ohio State University’s student Park (Ill.) Public Library. newspaper and starting his own animation studio, Character Builders, in 1986, Smith launched the self-published comic 5:30–7:00 p.m. book BONE in 1991. As BONE’s popularity grew he became Williford C Room, Chicago Hilton Hotel known as a co-founder of the Self-Publishing Movement of 720 S. Michigan Ave. the 1990s and an early adopter of the graphic novel format.

BONE is now a New York Times bestselling series and has won numerous awards. It also has been among the most frequently challenged graphic novels in recent years.