Open Books saw one of its goals met this past November with the opening of their bookstore in Chicago’s Near North Side. “The reception to the store has been tremendous, and shows the store is filling a need in the Chicago literary scene, ” says Becca Keaty of Open Books. “We survived the winter season and we’re really excited for the weather to be nicer.” To kick off the (hopefully) approaching warm weather, Open Books is celebrating its fourth year as a nonprofit. On May 1, Open Books invites families to come and enjoy tours of the literacy center, contests, a birthday-party-themed “Storytime” and, of course, cake. The Kohl McCormick StoryBus will also be on hand for kids. Open Books also invites the adults to a ticketed birthday celebration that night. They will be partnering with 2nd Story for a night of performances and readings. Open Books is also kicking off its first ever read-a-thon, ReadOn 2010, on May 1. “It’s been great to network out,” says executive director Stacy Ratner. “Each person that comes on for the read-a-thon is able to tell ten other people that may have never heard about Open Books.” Participants are grouped into two categories, those over 13 years of age and those under. Those interested are encouraged to sign up now, though Open Books will be accepting participants after May 1. ReadOn 2010 runs until May 26 and concludes with a wrap party, complete with prizes ranging from a large gift card to Hotwire.com for the top adult fundraiser, to a bowling party for the top youth fundraiser. (Peter Cavanaugh)
Open Books saw one of its goals met this past November with the opening of their bookstore in Chicago’s Near North Side. “The reception to the store has been tremendous, and shows the store is filling a need in the Chicago literary scene, ” says Becca Keaty of Open Books. “We survived the winter season and we’re really excited for the weather to be nicer.” To kick off the (hopefully) approaching warm weather, Open Books is celebrating its fourth year as a nonprofit. On May 1, Open Books invites families to come and enjoy tours of the literacy center, contests, a birthday-party-themed “Storytime” and, of course, cake. The Kohl McCormick StoryBus will also be on hand for kids. Open Books also invites the adults to a ticketed birthday celebration that night. They will be partnering with 2nd Story for a night of performances and readings. Open Books is also kicking off its first ever read-a-thon, ReadOn 2010, on May 1. “It’s been great to network out,” says executive director Stacy Ratner. “Each person that comes on for the read-a-thon is able to tell ten other people that may have never heard about Open Books.” Participants are grouped into two categories, those over 13 years of age and those under. Those interested are encouraged to sign up now, though Open Books will be accepting participants after May 1. ReadOn 2010 runs until May 26 and concludes with a wrap party, complete with prizes ranging from a large gift card to Hotwire.com for the top adult fundraiser, to a bowling party for the top youth fundraiser. (Peter Cavanaugh)
