Hi there! I am reaching out on behalf of Open Books Non-profit Bookstores. My name is Nancy Medrano and I am the Volunteer Coordinator for the Chicago-founded organization. I am looking for a Central-Chicago, or Downtown in-kind venue for this 2-hour volunteer appreciation party, possibly on Thursday, February 16th from 5:30-7:30pm. Open Books' 400+ volunteers and 30-member staff will be invited to join this celebration. 

This event will be for all the Open Books volunteers who either directly support our childhood literacy programming or the operations of 3 bookstores across the city. Each location sells repurposed books to fund our literacy efforts and at our Pilsen location, kids' books are always free and adult books are sold at a pay-what-you-want or suggested rate. In recent years, our focus has shifted to the South and West Sides of Chicago, with a primary initiative in the North Lawndale community. This event will be a long-overdue volunteer appreciation party with a sweet, cheerful valentines theme. We want to thank our new and long-time volunteers, who are also dedicated to our literacy mission, with a welcoming, joyful space to celebrate organizational success in community. 

Our "Volentine's Day" Celebration will most likely have a cocktail-style layout with a range of appetizers and beverages. Volunteers will be welcome to come and go as they please with various staff members taking the time to briefly speak to say thank you once again. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you! (www.open-books.org, volunteer@open-books.org)