4 Awesome Bookish Charity Events
Book champion and Book Riot managing editor Amanda Nelson has showcased some literary charities in the past that are awesome places to consider donating to this holiday season. But if you’re looking for a literary gathering in which to dedicate your philanthropic efforts, you can check out these 4 literary charity events throughout the year.
1. Open Books Make the Case – Chicago
Full disclosure, I’m on the Open Books associate board, so I have a bit of a bias. However, this is a hell of a cool event for those in the Midwest interested in contributing to literacy in the Windy City.
“At Make the Case, teams of literacy supporters will compete for fame and glory as they transform standard bookcases into stand-alone marvels all while a bevy of spectators cheers them on. Everyone will enjoy food, drinks, music, the chance to win great raffle prizes, and voting for their favorite case!”
Afterward, the bookcases get fully stocked and donated to local classrooms in need. Oh yeah, did I mention that the tickets ($40 in advance, $45 at the door) come with a 3 hour open bar? That’s a pretty solid deal for Chicago.
Friday, November 14, 2014, 7-10 P.M., Logan Square Auditorium.
2. Book Aid International Annual Literary Quiz – London
Book Aid International sends around 500,000 new books to 2,000 libraries in sub-Saharan Africa each year. Every year the organization has a literary quiz event which takes place in October. (Sorry for the late notice.) For 15 Euros a person you can put together teams of six to participate in a night that “includes a night of sparkling entertainment, a fiendish quiz with fitting prizes, nibbles and a chance to enter the raffle for some great prizes.”
Check it out next October.
3. How to Write Like I Do – 826 National
For those unfamiliar with 826, this literary organization provides creative writing and tutoring services for youth in several major cities across the country. 826 is known for clandestine storefronts and some awesome publications. Of course, kids shouldn’t get to have all the fun. A few of the 826 branches offer the “How to Write Like I Do” series, in which renowned authors lecture to adults looking to hone their writing skills.
These adult writing workshops come at varying prices and happen throughout the year. If you live in Boston, Chicago, L.A., Valencia, D.C., Ann Arbor, Seattle or NYC, it’s definitely worth checking out what events are happening at your local 826.
4. Girls Write Now Holiday Soiree – New York
The Girls Write Now Holiday Soiree is an opportunity to celebrate the year and kick off the upcoming year. The invite notes:
“We’ll write to our friends and colleagues to share our passion for our mission, reconnect with mentors, and chat our community and with fellow book lovers—all to raise funds to support New York’s first and only writing and mentoring organization for girls.
We’ll provide food, wine, friends, plus all the supplies you could need—from stamps and glitter to Facebook and First Giving—to write letters or start an online campaign about the organization you love and support. Come with a smile and your smart phone (or good old fashioned rolodex!) to share your Girls Write Now story with friends, family, and colleagues far and wide!”
Thursday, November 13, 2014, 6-9 P.M., 247 W 37th St., Suite 1800, New York, NY 10018
