Book Access Coordinator
Open Books seeks an enthusiastic team player passionate about literacy in the City of Chicago to serve as our Book Access Coordinator. The Book Access Coordinator contributes to the Open Books mission and vision through providing access to books for under-resourced communities, families, and schools. In collaboration with programs, book operations, and community engagement, they provide schools, community spaces, and more with customized book grants in response to community book needs and interests. Additionally, they assist with logistics and granting to community book nooks and help stock and occasionally drive Open Books Mobile, our bookmobile. They will join a team of 30 staff members who seek to transform lives through reading, writing, and the unlimited power of books. The Book Access Coordinator reports to the Book Access Manager.Core Responsibilities
Sort, evaluate, and assess book donations, predominantly children’s books, for granting across all of our book access avenues.
Assemble book grants for diverse Open Books audiences (schools, community organizations, event giveaways, etc.) based on leveling, interest, and qualityconsiderations.
Assist in outreach and sustaining partnerships with community organizations around book nooks and little free libraries in our priority communities.
Dedicate occasional weekend and evening hours to special programs and other opportunities happening in North Lawndale, Little Village, Englewood, and other Open Books priority communities.
Work with the Community Engagement team on developing new outreach initiatives or sourcing new opportunities for book access for Open Books’ target communities.
Coordinate book grants for events, large-scale giveaways, and assisting the Book Access manager with new and existing Book Nooks.
Assist in accurate record keeping maintenance as to books granted and demographic and geographical information.
Routinely transport boxes, up to 40 lbs., and carts of books within Open Books spaces and at events.
Support the Book Access Manager with compiling data and reports to assess Book Access metrics, goals, and impact.
Help to ensure the overall health, vitality, and positive morale of Open Books.
Uphold and regularly demonstrate the core values of Open Books: Accountability, Collaboration, Empowerment, Ingenuity, and Respect.
Position Requirements & Qualifications
Organized and detail-oriented
Proficient with Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Forms, Docs, Sheets, etc.)
Valid IL driver’s license and ability and comfortability driving a large van.
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Enthusiasm for community partnership work.
Experienced and engaging public speaker
Outgoing and enthusiastic about relationship building
Strong belief in the importance of literacy and literacy education
Motivated, innovative, and enthusiastic about Open Books’ mission and programs
Work Environment
This position works from the Pilsen warehouse with off site work at our other locations for meetings, events, or book nook upkeep.
Work from home opportunities are available on an as-needed basis.
40-hour work week with weekend availability required
Occasional off-site work at programmatic events with mandatory attendance at Open Books Slide Into Summer (A Sunday in June), Open Books Back to School Lit Fest (August: Sunday before CPS begins), Printer’s Row Lit Fest (First weekend in September), and the North Lawndale Christmas Party (early December)
Family-friendly and flexible atmosphere
Opportunities for professional development and growth.
