This weekend, the literacy nonprofit Open Books unveils its new three-story, 15,000 sq ft literacy center. The grand opening in its old River North home (213 W. Institute Pl) will showcase its centerpiece, a 5,000 sq ft bookstore created by the savviest book lovers and painted with a child's kaleidoscopic imagination.
I previewed the opening in this week's Time Out Chicago but I feel like I can be a bit more opinionated in this medium. It is, without hyperbole, the most exciting literary news in the city and for the city since...I don't know...Obama's election. I know it sounds absurd but I can't come up with anything else that matches my excitement and support.
The bookstore is gorgeous, with 200 vibrantly-painted bookshelves and creative literary flourishes throughout the loft-like store. It's a used book store but it feels like a literary wonderworld. Read the article on the TimeOut link for the particulars. It's hard to step foot in the store--it's hard to come near anyone involved with Open Books--and not be affected. There's something infectious not just in the message but in its presentation.
The store is open from 10am-7pm on November 21-22 and the events range from children's programming to author panels and Q & As. If you can't check it out this weekend, please do. It's a mission that can't be denied and an organization that inspires.
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