Help us hire our first executive director!
Since 2018, Open Books has managed, solely as volunteers, to donate LGBTQ+ affirming book sets to thousands of public school libraries & reaching nearly one million students across the US.
Historically, 100% of the tax- deductible donations we've received have gone directly to purchasing and delivering books. The fundraising initiative we are doing now to hire our first executive director, is crucial to the sustainability of the organization.
The assault on the mental health and wellbeing of our children & the war that is being waged on libraries and the integrity of our country’s education system is insidious & corrosive. We are on the front lines of these battles. The work Open Books does to maintain and foster representation in school materials might seem unassuming, but it is a direct and profoundly effective antidote to all the negativity kids are facing. There is no greater power for nurturing hearts and opening minds, than the power of story.
The good news is that because of the relationships we've formed over the years with publishers, educators, parents and caregivers and our school district partners, we have a long waiting list of schools who want these book sets.
This cause deserves (& frankly requires!) the attention of a full-time executive director.
Please consider making a meaningful donation today toward this goal.
With gratitude and appreciation,
The Open Books Team
(Morgan, Keiko, Matt, Jen, Jon & Jeremy)
New to Open Books?
Here's a quick reminder of what we do:
Open Books is a 501(c)3 non profit committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative school environment by donating uplifting, acclaimed, and age-appropriate LGBTQ+ affirming story books to elementary public school libraries.
Specifically, we use your financial donations to buy the books on our curated, HRC - endorsed list from publishers in bulk, and gift them to public school libraries.
The data shows this work provides many benefits, here are just a few:
- Improved mental health of students
- Improved school climate where representation and support is prioritized
- Reduction in bullying
- Faculty and staff feel supported with resources and language
- For students who don't identify as LGBTQ+ this allows for the availability of accurate information and representation, which reduces fear and confusion.
These books are a permission slip for kids to love themselves, or their classmates, exactly as they are.
Contribution rules
- This contribution is made from my own funds or the funds of an authorizing corporation or other entity, and the funds are not being provided by any other person or entity.
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