Open Books in an incredible organization that changes the lives of children through creative writing and reading programs.  Access to books is one of the most effective ways to create social mobility (2x more effective than the education level of parents!), yet the ratio of children to books in low-income areas is 300:1.  Open Books uses creative programs to get books into the homes of these kids.  The programs that Open Books provides help students do better in school and be better prepared for successful lives, improve comprehension levels and build confidence.  To date, this amazing organization has donated over 481,795+ books and 117,000+ hours of reading and writing programs!  

We are working towards building even more innovative programs, including an icecream truck that serves books in Chicago's low-income neighborhoods.  How cool is that?!

Your support is incredibly important to me!  Your donation will directly impact the life of a Chicago child.  Can you imagine a life with no books :(   Please help get books into the homes of the kiddos!

Team Bookin' It

Open Books' annual fundraiser Team Bookin' It (TBI), brings together runners, virtual runners, and donors in support of literacy. TBI is part of the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon, July 21-22. The race includes a 5K on Saturday, July 21 and a 10K and Half Marathon on Sunday, July 22. The race takes place at Grant Park. Proceeds of TBI 2018 benefit Open Books' literacy and book granting programs that reach thousands of children each year.

Our Mission

Open Books transforms lives through reading, writing, and the GIVING power of used books. Open Books brings the joy of literacy to 5,000 children, and donates over 150,000 books to children, families, and under-resourced communities in Chicagoland this year. To learn more, please visit us at www.open-books.org.

Employee Matches

Want to Double your Donation? Did you know that hundreds of companies across the country match employee charitable contributions dollar-for-dollar?
 
How It Works
 
1. Contact your employer’s Human Resources and ask whether your company matches employee donations to Open Books.
2. Request & fill out your company’s matching gift forms, and submit along with any necessary documentation.
3. Any nonprofit forms can be sent to:

Open Books
651 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60661