Open Books

Open Books transforms lives through reading, writing, and the unlimited power of books. We partner with communities to support children and families in having equitable access to be lifelong readers.

Since inception, Open Books has impacted tens of thousands of Chicagoans, primarily children (birth – 12th grade), through in- and out-of-school literacy programs and the provision of free books via an increasing number of channels. Open Books’ programs have boosted the skills and confidence of thousands of Chicago children, from the newborns who receive books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the first and second grade readers in the Reading Buddies program. Open Books envisions a Chicago where all children have a chance to develop the reading and writing skills they need to feel confident and flourish on their academic journeys and beyond.

Open Books approaches its work with an equity lens and addresses the barriers that make access to books and literacy programs uniquely difficult for children and families in Chicago’s resource-withheld neighborhoods. Ten priority neighborhoods served by Open Books include: North Lawndale, Little Village, Austin, Garfield Park, Pilsen, Englewood, McKinley Park, Back of the Yards, and Gage Park.

Open Books is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the spirit and law of anti-discrimination protections to foster a diverse workforce.