If you have more books than your local library and you'd like to clear some space on your shelves, consider donating your books to the Great American Book Drive on October 26.
Open Books is a nonprofit bookstore and literacy community center that will be accepting donations of used books. The organization is dedicated to raising awareness about literacy, improving reading skills, and spreading the love of books.
Volunteers will be on hand to help unload books from your car and to process your donation. You can also arrange to have the books picked up from your home between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Zipcar, an official sponsor, is helping to make the book pick-ups possible, but there are limited appointments so be sure to sign up for the service early. A large portion of the profits from the used book sales will go to reading programs throughout the city.
If you don't have any books to contribute, consider donating your time. Open Books still needs volunteers to assist with the book drive. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and duties include unloading, sorting, packaging, greeting donors and more.
Finally, you can help just by spreading the word. Tell all your bibliophile (or shelf-space-challenged) friends about this great cause. Open Books also has flyers and postcards available to download.
For more information, call 312-239-6649, or visit http://www.open-books.org/.
