We are the members of the Open Books West Loop Book Club, and we're a team of virtual runners for the 2019 Team Bookin It with Open Books.  

CLICK HERE to see Open Books' quantifiable impact.

As a book club, we have set a goal of raising $2,000 for our inagural Read-A-Thon on Saturday, July 13th.  On that day, our group will have readers present and reading in the West Loop store every hour that the store is open.  Our readers are there to demonstrate our commitment to Open Books and the wonderful power of literacy. 

You've been invited to this page to help us reach our fundraising goal for the Read-A-Thon.  You can donate toward your friend or family member who has committed to a reading shift, you can donate toward the number of hours read in the store on July 13th, or you can donate in any other way that works for you.  We appreciate any amount you're able to give to support literacy!  

The group started in February 2016 as a small gathering of Open Books volunteers who wanted to meet monthly to read & discuss books, and we opened our gatherings up to the public.  We've now read & discussed over 40 books as a group, welcoming as many as 20 readers to one meeting.  We're all patrons, supporters, fans, and lovers of Open Books, many of us volunteer in the store or with programs. 

ABOUT OPEN BOOKS:

Open Books is a nonprofit social venture that provides literacy experiences for tens of thousands of readers each year through inspiring programs and the creative capitalization of books.

Through our Literacy Programs, we transform students’ reading and writing skills through experienced educators who deliver innovative instruction, passionate volunteers who serve as positive role models and provide enthusiastic support, safe learning environments for practice, exploration, and social-emotional growth, and access to high-quality books and tailored curricula.

Through our Book Grants, we provide readers of all ages with engaging, appropriate, and high-quality books. Each week, we deliver thousands of books to schools and nonprofits across Chicagoland.

Funding for our work comes in large part from the sale of donated books at our award-winning Pilsen and West Loop stores, as well as online and at special events.

About Team Bookin' It (TBI)!

Open Books' annual fundraiser Team Bookin' It, brings together runners and virtual runners in support of literacy. TBI is part of the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon, July 20-21. The race includes a 5k on Saturday, July 20 and a 10k and Half Marathon on Sunday, July 21. The race takes place at Grant Park.

If you're not into running, you can still be part of the TBI team! Sign up as a virtual runner, and let your fundraising creativity shine! Proceeds from TBI support Open Books' literacy and book granting programs.

Fundraising Minimums

Half Marathon: $700
10K: $500
5K and Virtual Runner: $300

Open Books' Mission

Open Books' mission is to transform lives through reading, writing, and the unlimited power of books.  Each year, Open Books engages more than 6,000 children and students through its literacy programs and donates over 160,000 books to children, families, and under-resourced communities throughout the Chicago area annually. To learn more, please visit www.open-books.org.