Read/Write Library, a Chicago nonprofit entirely driven by volunteers, invites artists, illustrators, and designers to submit their work to help with a unique fundraiser. But first a couple things about the Read/Write Library.
It’s the brainchild of Nell Taylor, and it’s located at 914 N. California (enter on Walton.) It has an online catalog, however, a visit is the best way to appreciate this library. Call 773-336-2516 for the hours. Nell even did a session at SXSW on the Read/Write Library.
The library has everything from art journals, zines, broadsides, art books, newspapers, and even cookbooks from Chicago churches. Initially, the library was in a church, but after a blizzard in 2011 damaged some of the collection, the library moved to its current home on California. The staff are all volunteers and librarians from around the city, many of whom are also artists, students, and folks interested in figuring out how they fit into the web of media-makers in Chicago. Lots of the volunteers helped rehab the library space which is not quite welcoming and cozy.
Gabriel Levinson, a former Chicagoan began a Chicago Book Bike project because he believed that “everyone has the right to build and cherish a private library.” He created a book bike that he brought to parks and events across the city until he moved out of town.
Read/Write Library refurbished his book bike, and called it “BiblioTreka” and was using it around town when the wonderful bike was stolen last summer.
To get a new book bike, the library is going to start an Indiegogo campaign and they need artists and other creative folk to help design art that will be displayed on tote bags, thank you cards, buttons, bookmarks and other swag that will be offered to contributors to the Indiego contest. Original artwork of featuring books, bikes, BiblioTrekas, and libraries from our community are the suggested themes.
Here are the guidelines for art for this project:
-Works may not be larger than 8.5×11
-Works must be 2-dimensional
-You may submit up to 3 artworks
-Works may up to 2 colors or black and white
-Works may be any media/multimedia
-The more books, bikes, BiblioTrekas, and libraries the better!
-All submissions must come with our donation form (contact outreach@readwritelibrary.org for a copy of the donation form.)
Please submit artwork via mail, in person at the library, or arrange a pick up by one of our volunteers by January 15th, 2014.
What’s in it for you?
This is a major contribution to our fundraiser (so thank you!) and you and your work will be highlighted on our social media for others to see. You will also receive a bundle of our swag as a token of our appreciation! Since your artwork is considered a donation it is tax deductible!
All works submitted will be used for something and gifted to our generous donors once our fundraiser is over; it is up to the campaign committee to decide which artworks will be used for what but know that all artwork submissions will go to a good home and great cause.
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