Kristen's Reading Goal:  For every $1 raised, I'll read 1 page

I’m back for my third Read-a-Thon supporting Open Books, an incredible nonprofit working to improve childhood literacy across Chicagoland.

It's truly such a chore for me each year to suffer through reading sooo many books to support my favorite organization, all to get books in the hands of kids who otherwise don't always have access - wait, no, it's literally a dream.

Honestly, though, it's so hard out there right now for local bookstores, non-profits, and childhood education programs. Let's help make sure the next generation inherits my addiction to filling their houses with books. If you're able to donate even just a couple of dollars, it would mean the world to me (and the kids!).

Open Books' Associate Board is hosting a month-long Read-a-Thon throughout March 2026, in honor of National Reading Month, to raise funds and awareness for Open Books' signature reading and book access programs. Considering Open Books' mission to support literacy skill development and encourage everyone to enjoy reading, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and show why you love to read! Please consider supporting one of our readers or joining in the fun yourself - you can sign up here or contact readathon@open-books.org to learn more and get started. 

This year, the Read-a-Thon team is working hard to raise $45,000 for Open Books' literacy and book access programs. Consider what your donations can support:

$25 can provide books and supplies for one 1st or 2nd grader in our year-long Reading Buddies program
$50 can support a month of upkeep of our Little Free Library network in North Lawndale
$100 can provide 30 new, high-interest book titles for our youth book granting efforts
$250 can fund supplies for one of our eight-week-long Early Childhood Literacy Residencies in at-home daycares
$500 can support the development of resources for parents and caregivers in our target communities

Open Books' Mission

Open Books is a nonprofit literacy organization that helps transform lives through reading, writing, and the unlimited power of books. We partner with communities to ensure that youth and families have equitable access to be lifelong readers. Open Books is committed to working in community with our neighborhood partners toward a collective effort to grow and foster a literacy-strong Chicago. We work to break down systemic barriers to reading and literacy and build strong values of reading. Through neighborhood partnerships, we design and implement literacy initiatives for youth, families, caregivers, and communities on the South and West sides of Chicago by providing high-quality resources, experiences, and book-centered spaces. We employ people power and a variety of pathways for books to fuel our placemaking initiatives so that reading can happen anywhere, anytime. To learn more, please visit www.open-books.org.