Thanks so much to today’s guest bloggers, who are here to share their experiences at last night’s Hot Chocolate Happy Hour. Also please check out the wonderful photos of the event, some of which come courtesy of our partners at Literacy Works. Thanks, everyone!
Guest blogger #1: Rupal Soni, Program Director of the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, publishers of the Journal of Ordinary Thought
Last night was the Open Books Happy Hour. I arrived, excited to meet new people and organizations who believe and encourage the power of words, and talk about my work at the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, and with the “Journal of Ordinary Thought.” I left, happily laden with a sugar high from one too many cookies (book-shaped cookies, mind you – calories are negligible when eaten in solidarity with a literacy mission) and two bags full of books!
I love the concept of Open Books. It’s one of those ideas you hear of and think, “That makes so much sense!” By buying books, I was getting started on my holiday shopping, recycling, getting books that have lived on my “to read” list for so long, … all while knowing the money I spent went to promoting literacy projects in Chicago. (I couldn’t say no! Did I mention I bought two bags full of books??)
I got to talk to some super-cool Open Book volunteers, supporters, as well as representatives from other organizations in and around Chicago promoting literacy. I am looking forward to finding ways to work together with them all. I heard powerful and moving poetry from the young women in a Literature for All of Us book group. All in all, I met great people who believe and encourage the power of words, self-expression, individual voices, and building community.
There are bright colors and inspiring quotes splashed all over the walls at the Open Books space, and that’s exactly how the their Happy Hour felt– warm, inspiring, and vibrant.
Guest blogger #2: Barry Benson, Director of Development & Marketing, Literacy Chicago
My week usually starts out with the “Monday night club” — a few friends from the literary/literacy world who get together for drinks or a bite, and to catch up on author gossip, book events, and the like. Last night I invited them to meet me at a holiday kickoff event for Open Books — stacks of books and book paraphernalia, altogether the perfect place for bibliophiles like us to hang out together. We all showed up expecting to have some good chat and enjoy the poetry slam, but it was just as enjoyable perusing book bundles, sweatshirts, and other cool stuff on the tables. Instincts led me back to the biography section where I was free to shed my suave and classy exterior and become the excited, drooling lover of other people’s life stories that I am. Good thing for me that that section is in the back.
The poetry reading was amazing — something about young people reading their own work that makes it all the more heartfelt and impacting. I met some others from the nonprofit world and got to compare notes on our orgs and our jobs, always a good way to learn a little and do some impromptu brainstorming. Most fun, though, was hanging out with Becca, Erin, Marilyn, and Stacy for a spell over handfuls of popcorn and cups of hot cocoa. If I didn’t consume all of the evening’s profits, maybe they’ll even invite me back sometime.
Rupal, Barry, and everyone in the Open Books family (that’s YOU!), please know you are always welcome. Thank you for the guest blogs, the support, and spreading the word about Open Books and the holiday bazaar! Come see us again soon. — Erin
I stuck my camera in through the tiny crack to capture these dramatic, blurry moments!
After much rustling and rearranging, Becca escaped! Hooray!
So, friends. Please. Come buy our books so we can pay for much-needed literacy programs — and so our stock will be depleted and our staff will be able to open doors sans excitement, peril, and sound effects. 
