Get Creative And Charitable With Open Books

By Steven Pate in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 14, 2011 3:20PM

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.

Registered teams of up to 5 individuals will transform a standard 3-shelf bookcase into a functional work of art on the theme of "Reading, Writing and the Power of Used books" through decoration and embellishment (although it seems that power tools are prohibited). Non-competitors can cheer on their teams during the May 13 competition while enjoying food, drinks and music. After the buzzer sounds, the judges will evaluate the entries on their fidelity to the theme, their creativity, and the team's execution. Open Books will fill the completed bookcases with books the following week and donate them to nonprofit organizations across the city.

Teams must register by April 30 for the event, to take place at 213 W Institute Place. Registration and tickets can be purchased online.