As Daley’s on his way out, there’s a lot being said about what he did (or didn’t do) for our city. While most of the hot topics include Chicago Public Schools, privatization fiascoes and police commissioners, not much is being said about his contribution to Chicago’s literacy culture, claims James Warren from the Chicago News Cooperative. more ›

Given how inventive Chicagoans get for events such as The Chiditarod Urban Iditarod, we have high hopes that people will just as creative for the cause of literacy at Open Books first annual bookcase decorating contest, Make The Case, a sort of pinewood derby for literary furniture to benefit local literacy programs. more ›

We love it when we can eat great food and do a little bit of good at the same time. Branch 27 has teamed up with Open Books, an organization that promotes reading and literacy, to offer some special meals. On Thursday nights, Chef John Manion will prepare a special "Open-Branch" menu. If patrons choose to try this three-course fixed price meal, a portion of the proceeds will go to Open Books. There is also an Open-Branch wine flight available, and part of the cost of that will also be donated. more ›

Special To Chicagoist By Betsy Mikel more ›

This Thursday, Harold Washington Library will participate in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, an event aiming to break a world record for the largest shared reading experience by encouraging children across the country to read the same book with an adult on the same day. The official campaign book is children’s classic Corduroy, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. more ›