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 Instructional Programs, we cultivate the literacy skills of thousands of children and youth each year, from those who need intervention to those who desire enrichment.
Through our Book Programs, 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.
We’ve received numerous awards for our business model (Social Enterprise Alliance: Innovation), our stores (Chicago Reader / Chicago Magazine: Best Hidden Bookstore; Readers’ Choice Best Bookstore), and our people (YNPN: Associate Board of the Year; Chicago Magazine: Chicagoan of the Year), and we’re grateful for those recognitions. But ever since our founding days in a South Loop basement in 2006, our proudest moments have been those when we connect with students, educators, volunteers, readers, writers, partners, and supporters across the community. As we begin our tenth year of transforming lives through reading, writing, and the UNLIMITED power of used books, we look forward to your joining us as part of the story.