Story Studio is now in official partnership with the fabulous Open Books, a literacy organization and used book store. They do very different work than Story Studio but with the same goal in mind: to promote writing skills and literacy around the city of Chicago. We’re delighted to call them our friends.

Open Books is wonderfully ambitious organization that coordinates a youth tutoring program, hosts creative writing field trips, facilitates a program called “V-Write” (through with students communicate with virtual writing tutors on college and career-related essays), in addition to offering reading and writing classes for adults. And somehow, in their spare time, they also run a used book store. I’ve actually been to their space a handful of times, and I must say – it’s one of the happiest places I’ve ever been (think brightly colored walls with inspiring author quotes and letters hanging from the ceiling). If you haven’t yet check out Open Books, definitely take a look at their website: www.openbooks.org

They are always looking for new volunteers – plus, if you’re an educator, definitely think about bringing your class to an Open Books’ Adventures in Creative Writing field trip. What a cool place – we’re just glad to know ‘em!