This is my kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of town, Chicago is
My kind of people too
People who smile at you
- Frank Sinatra

I think old Blue Eyes had it right when he sang “My Kind of Town.” Chicago is a great city, and a First Book team recently experienced the vitality, altruism and hospitality of it first hand.

On May 17, First Book co-hosted a reception with Encyclopædia Britannica at their world headquarters to celebrate the national launch of the Encyclopedias for All campaign. Through the Encyclopedias for All initiative, corporations and individuals are able to provide encyclopedias and online resources to students in need in classrooms nationwide.

The reception was well attended by a cross-section of leaders representing a range of corporations, government entities, and organizations such as the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, First Tee, Oprah’s Angel Network, and The Emerald City Theatre.

Jorge Cauz

Jorge Cauz, President of Encyclopædia Britannica, spoke passionately about his upbringing in Mexico and the lengths his family went to make sure there were always books in the home. In recognition of his leadership — along with that of the entire Encylopædia Britannica team — First Book presented Jorge with a First Book Hero Award for Encylopædia Britannica’s support of our mission.

On Friday, May 18, Encyclopædia Britannica generously hosted a First Book University Seminar attended by prospective Advisory Board members from Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. Topics included how First Book distributes books, recruiting Board members, and fundraising techniques.

First Book-Aurora/Fox Valley (IL) was in attendance and shared their expertise on building a First Book Advisory Board. And from this Seminar we hope to have First Book-Chicago up and running soon!

If interested in the Encyclopedias for All campaign, please email Chandler Arnold at carnold@firstbook.org. If interested in joining First Book-Chicago, please contact Pat Pope at ppope@firstbook.org. The entire First Book team extends special thanks to Allison Kulp and Jason Nitschke for making First Book’s powerful new partnership with Encyclopædia Britannica a reality.