Overview
What is Open Books Ltd?
Open Books Ltd is a nonprofit organization situated in Chicago, Illinois. Their primary mission involves collecting, granting, and selling used books, while also engaging passionate volunteers to foster literacy awareness and enhance reading and writing skills. During the 2021-2022 academic year, they served students through various programs, including Reading Buddies for 2nd and 3rd graders, Storytime for families with young children, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, aiming to increase book access at home. They also provided nearly 130,000 books through classroom grants and maintained a free children's book section at their Pilsen location. Community events, such as those organized as part of North Lawndale Reads, were also a significant part of their work, with Open Books constructing and maintaining Little Free Libraries and Book Nooks in the North Lawndale area.
Official website here: www.open-books.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating 93% - Four-Star out of Four Star Rating
Open Books Ltd has received a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong commitment to accountability and finance. The organization showcases excellent governance with 100% independent board members and adheres to rigorous financial oversight practices. Its program expense ratio is impressive at 80.95%, indicating a high level of funds dedicated to its mission of improving literacy, while fundraising efficiency is also commendable at $0.08 per dollar raised.
User feedback on Great Nonprofits highlights the positive experiences of volunteers and donors alike. Many reviewers praise the organization's engaging mission and the diverse opportunities available for involvement. Volunteers have reported enjoyable and fulfilling experiences, from mentoring high school students to participating in community literacy events, indicating a strong community presence and impact.
While the organization demonstrates robust financial health, the liabilities to assets ratio of 51.18% suggests there might be areas for improvement in financial stability. However, the overwhelming majority of feedback emphasizes the effectiveness and dedication of Open Books Ltd, making it a trusted choice for those interested in supporting literacy initiatives in Chicago.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
Is Open Books Ltd legitimate?
Open Books Ltd is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Open Books Ltd submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $133,159
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $893,725
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.open-books.org
What is the mission statement of Open Books Ltd?
Open Books Ltd's mission is centered around collecting, granting, and selling used books while engaging passionate volunteers. Their primary goal is to raise awareness about literacy, improve reading and writing skills, and foster a love for reading and writing in communities beyond Chicago. They accomplish this by providing community programs, mobilizing volunteers, and advocating for literacy improvement. During the 2021-2022 academic year, Open Books served students through book access and reading support programs, focusing on literacy growth in 2nd and 3rd graders and enrolling families with young children in a book access initiative to increase books at home. They also granted numerous books through classroom book grants and maintained little free libraries and book nooks in various communities.
Official website here: www.open-books.org
Who is the CEO of Open Books Ltd?
Eric Johnson is the Chair of Open Books Ltd.
Official website here: www.open-books.org
What is the revenue of Open Books Ltd?
Open Books Ltd's revenue in 2022 was $2,509,213.
Official website here: www.open-books.org
Who are the executives of Open Books Ltd and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Open Books Ltd during 2022 was $39,496. There are 26 employees and 325 volunteers at Open Books Ltd.
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- Compensation: $127,511
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Official website here: www.open-books.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Open Books Ltd?
Open Books Ltd's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.open-books.org
Learn more at the official website: www.open-books.org
Mission Statement of Open Books Ltd
Open Books Ltd is an organization that actively collects, grants, and sells used books. Its mission extends beyond book management; it also involves providing community programs and mobilizing passionate volunteers. The primary goal of Open Books Ltd is to raise awareness about literacy, improve reading and writing skills, and foster a love for reading and writing in Chicago and beyond. By doing so, Open Books Ltd aspires to make a significant impact on literacy levels and promote a culture of reading and writing.
In pursuit of its mission, Open Books Ltd engages in various activities. During the 2021-2022 academic year, the organization served students through book access and reading support programs. Reading Buddies, for instance, focused on enhancing reading level attainment and growth in 2nd and 3rd grade students in afterschool programs across North Lawndale. Open Books Ltd also launched its Early Literacy Program, Storytime, which engaged caregivers and families in fundamental literacy concepts they could practice at home. Furthermore, families with children aged 0-5 were enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, an initiative aimed at increasing the number of books in homes.
Open Books Ltd also distributed nearly 130,000 books through classroom book grants and its free children's book section at Open Books Pilsen. In addition to these literacy programs, community events were a crucial part of Open Books Ltd's work with North Lawndale Reads. As part of this initiative, Open Books Ltd constructed and maintained Little Free Libraries and Book Nooks across North Lawndale and surrounding communities, making books more accessible to the community.
In summary, Open Books Ltd is an organization dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading and writing. Through its collection, granting, and selling of used books, as well as its community programs and volunteer mobilization, Open Books Ltd seeks to improve reading and writing skills and spread the joy of literacy in Chicago and beyond.
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Impact
October, 2024
Open Books Ltd significantly impacts literacy and education in Chicago and surrounding areas by focusing on access to books and supporting reading initiatives. Through its various programs, it collects, grants, and sells used books, channeling proceeds into community literacy efforts. During the 2021-2022 academic year, Open Books specifically targeted reading support for 2nd and 3rd graders in afterschool programs, helping students improve their reading levels through focused mentorship.
In addition to direct reading assistance, Open Books engages families in early literacy through initiatives like Storytime, which introduces caregivers to essential literacy concepts they can reinforce at home. The organization also promotes book access for younger children through partnerships with programs like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, ensuring that families with children ages 0-5 receive age-appropriate books.
The organization has played a crucial role in book distribution, granting nearly 130,000 books through classroom initiatives and maintaining a free children's book section in Pilsen. Community events, such as those linked with North Lawndale Reads, further enrich the area's literacy landscape by establishing Little Free Libraries and book nooks, thereby enhancing access to reading materials across neighborhoods.
Overall, Open Books Ltd cultivates a culture of literacy, empowering individuals through improved reading and writing skills while fostering a love for literature within the community.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Open Books Ltd. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $28
- Program Service Revenue: $19,130
- Gross Receipts: $3,421,749
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $1,632,134
- Total Liabilities: $151,626
- Net Assets: $1,480,508
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
PROGRAM INCOME
Revenue
$19,130
Organization Details
Founding Year
2006
Phone
(312) 475-1355Principal Officer
Eric Johnson
Main Address
651 WEST LAKE STREET, CHICAGO, IL, 60661
Website
www.open-books.orgNTEE Category
Code: B60 - Education
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