Category Archives: Chicago

Message from the Chicago Deskset

Hello fair readers,

A message from the Chicago Deskset

We wanted to take a moment to update everyone.  We are working hard at responding to your suggestions via the survey.  For those that could not make it, don’t worry your voice will be heard as well.  Expect a survey tomorrow via Facebook or here at our blog.

The next event date has been set for Sunday, May 23rd, 2010.  The time is still being worked out as well as the location, but I know this much, it will be in the city and around 6pm.

We have received a lot of praise, publicity and even fanmail.  Your hard work is paying off, and we are making a difference.  So take a moment to reflect on the fact that hundreds of under-served teens will have the ability to learn and escape via the items YOU donated, and they will know that someone somewhere cares about them.

-Anthony Molaro

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Filed under Chicago, Deskset, incarcerated persons, information activist

Last message from the Deskset before the book drive

Hey All,

The big day is tomorrow!!!  Just wanted to send out a final update.  We have over 70 people marked as coming with another 50 or so as maybe.  We are looking for a big turnout.  As for books, new paperbacks is what we are looking for.  Other books will gladly be accepted and rerouted to another institution.

We have received some great publicity.  Check out the feature on the Chicago Deskset over at the Chicagoist.

We hope that you are as excited as we are.  The article shows the need for us to come together and step up, and I’m glad that we are doing it.  We are looking forward to meeting and seeing everyone tomorrow.  We have been busy planning this and future events.  And to those who cannot make it this time, we look forward to seeing you at the next event!

P.S. If you forgot, here are the details of the event:

Where: The Grafton Pub and Grill (Western stop, Brown Line and there is also ample street parking and a paid lot across the street)

When: April 10th, 2010 3:00pm-5:00pm

What to bring: one (or more!) age appropriate paperback book, ideas of future charities/fundraisers you would like to support

Who is invited: check out our About Us page for details but just about everyone! Library workers, students, book lovers, friends, family! If you are interested in our mission, then you are invited!

We’ll also be raffling off a gift certificate to Unabridged Bookstore, mingling and just getting together to decide where this group will go next!

Here is the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=363072017991

Please make sure you RSVP if you plan on attending. If you don’t have a facebook account, please leave a comment below letting us know you plan on attending. Also please note that The Grafton has asked us to have table by table tabs. So be prepared with either cash or be willing to split tabs! And if you are interested in helping out or you just have questions, shoot us an email at:

chicagodeskset[at sign]gmail[dot]com

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Filed under Chicago, Deskset, marketing, Social Justice

Another Message from the Chicago Deskset

Wow, over 200 members and over fifty confirmed attendees with another 50 maybes.  Please RSVP and share the Deskset.  The group has taken off far faster than we thought.  We have been interviewed by local journalists, and will share the links when they are available.  We have also been spotlighted over at the Gapers Block.

From the last post:

We look forward to celebrating the beginning of National Library week with you. We are asking, because this is our first event that you RSVP as attending or not attending.  We need to provide firm numbers for the Grafton so that they place us in the proper room and have sufficient staff.

We believe the time for a grassroots organization like this is at hand. Let’s begin to bring change to the profession and our beloved city.  This group will bring us closer together and allow us to be more socially responsible to our beloved Chicago.  We recognize that we are stronger together.  This is our organization, our profession, and our city.  This is our voice, these are our stories, this is our conversation, and we will not be shushed anymore!

To close, an excerpt from the Prisoner’s Right to Read Statement, “Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours. When free people segregate some of their own, they acquire the responsibility to provide the tools required to bring the prodigal home. Chief among those tools is a right to read.”

-Anthony Molaro, on behalf of the Chicago DeskSet

P.S. If you forgot, here are the details of the event:

Where: The Grafton Pub and Grill (Western stop, Brown Line and there is also ample street parking and a paid lot across the street)

When: April 10th, 2010 3:00pm-5:00pm

What to bring: one (or more!) age appropriate paperback book, ideas of future charities/fundraisers you would like to support

Who is invited: check out our About Us page for details but just about everyone! Library workers, students, book lovers, friends, family! If you are interested in our mission, then you are invited!

We’ll also be raffling off a gift certificate to Unabridged Bookstore, mingling and just getting together to decide where this group will go next!

Here is the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=363072017991

Please make sure you RSVP if you plan on attending. If you don’t have a facebook account, please leave a comment below letting us know you plan on attending. Also please note that The Grafton has asked us to have table by table tabs. So be prepared with either cash or be willing to split tabs! And if you are interested in helping out or you just have questions, shoot us an email at:

chicagodeskset[at sign]gmail[dot]com

Leave a comment

Filed under Chicago, Deskset