Open Books, a non-profit literary organization based in Logan Square, has extended its operations throughout Chicago. The organization operates as a bookstore, offering low-cost books to the public and using the income to fund its literacy programs for children in need.
In a recent report from CBS News Chicago, Open Books saw a significant revenue of around $100,000 in its first month. The organization is projected to bring in up to $500,000 in its first year. These funds will support their mission of providing free books and literacy programs for underprivileged children. Open Books accepts both book and monetary donations daily at all locations.
Eric Johnson, Open Books' executive director, shared the organization's mission with CBS News Chicago, stating, "We to heavily focus have over the years on developing infrastructure to get free books for children and families in need." Books donated to the organization are sorted by the book operations team, who decide whether the items should be sold or added to their stock of free books.
The organization's in-store donation system encourages community members to recycle their used books and buy new ones at affordable rates, with prices starting from $4. Johnson stated in a WGN-TV interview that Open Books is committed to providing accessible books to all community members, including adults, children, and teachers.
Since its inception, Open Books has quickly become an integral part of Chicago's literary landscape. Johnson told CBS News Chicago, "We bring about a million and a quarter books every year, donated, not just here in Logan Square, but also in the West Loop in Pilsen. Our shelves carry tens of thousands of titles." Further, every dollar from the sales supports their literacy programs.
The non-profit is working hard to address the lack of access to reading materials faced by many underprivileged kids. By providing these crucial programs, Open Books potentially results in the growth of strong reading habits and improved literacy rates among Chicago's youth.
