Beyond Books 2023
On April 13, 2023, scaleLIT hosted our sixth annual fundraiser and awards ceremony, Beyond Books. With over 130 guests and 3 inspiring award winners, good conversations and connections were abundant. Guests, sponsors, and all involved helped make the event successful; this support ensures scaleLIT can continue serving the community through advocacy, direct service, and access to equitable resources in literacy education and workforce development.
Read on for our 2023 Beyond Books highlights!
Award Winners and Guests
During the program, scaleLIT honored three fantastic award winners for their work in adult literacy. First, Samson Abraha, a literacy learner at Chinese Mutual Aid Association, was recognized for his dedicated and inspiring attitude in learning English and pursuing his career and educational goals. Samson was awarded with the Personal Achievement Award, presented by Erryn Cobb of causeFX.
Next, for her work to promote justice and healing through storytelling Lisa Kenner–Director of Programs at ConTextos Chicago–won the Shirley Jenkins Adult Education Provider Award, which was presented by Faruk Daudbasic of First Eagle Bank. In her acceptance, Lisa shared her gratitude for the program participants who are committed to telling and preserving their stories.
Tracie D. Hall–Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA)–was then awarded as scaleLIT’s 2023 Literacy Leader, presented by ALA’s own Board President, Lessa Pelayo-Lozada. Tracie’s remarks highlighted the resilience of adult learners, especially those who navigate the world with low literacy, and the importance of recognizing the work of those who have laid a foundation for our own.
The program video below highlights more of the work that each of these deserving winners has accomplished as well as the commitments and progress scaleLIT is making as we continue beyond the event.
Several officials and dignitaries were also in attendance, including Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown; Deputy Director of the Office of Employment and Training Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Julio Rodriguez, and Chief Deputy of Public Services for the Illinois Secretary of State Aileen Kim.
Finally, three board members who have given over a decade of service to scaleLIT moved to emeritus status: Kathy Allison, Lawrence Blakely and Susie Karwowski.
Photos!
Venue and Vendors
This year’s event took place in The Library at 190 S. LaSalle, in the heart of downtown Chicago. There were generous beverage donations supplied by Revolution Brewing, wine, and Breakthrough Beverages Illinois. Catering Out The Box, one of the event’s sponsors, provided various hors d'oeuvres and desserts throughout the evening to keep the festivities going.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or supported Beyond Books 2023. ScaleLIT is grateful for your generosity as we advance our mission to ensure equitable access to adult education, job training and workforce development services that strengthen individuals, families, and whole communities.
Special thanks go to Beyond Books event committee members–Dr. Lisbeth Goble, Dr. Pam Goble, and Ms. Julie Robertson–for their commitment to the event’s success, as well as to all sponsors listed below for their generous support.
