Judith Krug, Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation and Director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association for over forty years, died April 11, 2009.
I was fortunate enough to sit in on FTRF and OIF meetings for a couple of years, while serving as a committee chair for a Public Library Association group. That was an absolute treat. Meeting with both of these groups gave me enthusiasm about my chosen profession unlike anything else.
Listening to lawyers debrief on censorship issues, hearing from authors whose books had been banned, and most of all, listening to Judith and her colleagues talk about and make critical decisions that would protect intellectual freedom rights for you, me, and every other American citizen –was contagious, enlightening, and energizing.
This was so energizing, that at every meeting I would become more determined to become a member of the Freedom to Read Foundation board. Every piece of that determination started with a goal of meeting up with Judith for coffee and talking about intellectual freedom and my goals and interests, and how to best proceed. This would have been easy to do. She lived near me, worked a 20-minute train ride from me, and was a warm, welcoming, and practical person.
She’s been on my radar screen for several years now – and yet I didn’t act, call, put it on the calendar, get on the train, and follow through. That makes me sad.
I don’t often speak of regret – and I have a tag line on one of my email accounts that quotes Edward Abbey, “Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.” Today, when I look at the memorials to Judith Krug, and read her obituary, I’m so thankful for her and all she did with her life. I’m so sad for her family and those close to her. And yes, I believe my soul is a bit ruined because of my failure to follow through.
When the spirit moves, take action.
http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/april2009/oifkrug.cfm
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/othergroups/freedomtoreadfoundation/index.cfm
