February Special

 

 

 

Don't miss out on our  

other specials! 

Follow us 

on Facebook 

and Twitter. 

Open Books on ABC!

Lizzy Boden, Bookstore Coordinator, was recently invited to discuss the Open Books mission and store on ABC news! Check out the great video by clicking here!  

Spring Store Internships

Are you interested in a fun and rewarding internship where you can gain valuable skills and contacts, make a difference every day, learn about the Open Books mission, and surround yourself with books and other bibliophiles?

Great! Get all the application details here! 

Welcome to February, folks! This newsletter, for what is (clearly) the most exciting month of the year, features: a brand new advice column, best-selling store titles, book news, and a hint of a dystopian future. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter (@openbookstore) to let us know what you think!

Before you feast your brain on the rest of the newsletter, we'd love to offer a short story that reminded us, recently, of how important a bookstore can be. A customer came to the store over the holidays to buy a Tara Lipinski biography for her daughter, who loves to ice skate but not to read; her daughter is dyslexic. The mother came back to the store this month, incredibly excited, because her daughter loves the book and is taking it all over the city so she can keep reading it! Her mom was thrilled, and her daughter has gained confidence as a reader.  What a great thing!

 
Kevin and Lizzy
Open Books Store Team 

Libraries And Literacy

You may have heard about the severe budget cuts that the Chicago Public Library system is undergoing. Earlier this month, it was announced that all public libraries would be closed on Mondays. Public outrage and ensuing negotiations led to our current compromise: libraries will now have seriously shortened hours on Mondays and Fridays and, as a result of the personnel cuts, will be forced to offer far fewer services. Unfortunately, in a city where our literacy crisis is so severe, these cutback on hours and services will have the most dramatic impact on the people who most need them.

Although Open Books cannot offer as many services as the libraries have traditionally done, we are happy that we can be a place for adults and children to come and spend some quality time exploring and reading books. Our literacy programs are helping to bring the joy of reading to thousands of students each year; many of them may, in turn, become  library devotees.   

We support the dedicated librarians and patrons of the Chicago Public Library system and hope to see the restoration of CPL hours and services as quickly as possible.

Welcome to the first edition of the Open Books advice column! This week, Nathaniel Olds, our resident advice-giving painting, offers his guidance on how to choose the perfect book for your Valentine.  

(P.S. Nathaniel has a quite a bit of experience in the LOVE department - he's been witness to not one, but TWO marriage proposals in the Open Books store this month alone!)

Book-Buyer Behavior In The Era Of Online Shopping And E-Readers

The American Bookseller Association's Winter Institute is an annual opportunity for ABA bookstore members to learn more about their trade, network with others in the industry, and of course, have fun! The 7th installment of the conference took place in New Orleans just a few weeks ago. One of the highlight sessions was led by Jack McKeown, a bookseller and  industry consultant. 

Recently, I was discussing The Hunger Games trilogy with a new customer. She informed me that her son and his friends had just had a fascinating discussion about the series. They were curious as to whether a dystopian future like The Hunger Games could ever happen in the world today. Her son and his friends almost unanimously thought yes; all older people she queried almost unanimously thought no.

Hop over to our Tumblr page for a basic overview of the plot of The Hunger Games (if you haven't read it) and to let us know what you think! Is dystopia unavoidable?

Then join us for a discussion of the book at February's Open Book Club meeting on Tuesday, February 14 at 6 pm. 

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday and Read Across America Day, Open Books is thrilled to announce Dr. Seuss Day!   

This one-day-only event will celebrate the work of Dr. Seuss and engage children and families in fun, Seuss-inspired activities in order to create excitement and enthusiasm around reading and writing.    

Stop in any time - we'll be celebrating all day with coloring activities, facepainting, readings, cake, children's book discounts, AND with the following Super Suess Special Guests:

1 pm Seuss-inspired drama games with  

            Emerald City Theatre Company 

2 pm Seuss storytime with The Storybook Mom 

3 pm Seuss crafts with wondrous Wishcraft Workshop 

Saturday, March 3

12 - 4 pm

FREE!

Suggested ages 3+