An Open Book Foundation

“The accountant prepares the return. It is reviewed by key members of the Board and changes are made if necessary. It is ultimately presented to the Board of Directors.”

“An Open Book Foundation requires that each board officer and director disclose all contemplated or existing related part transactions known to and involving, such director or office of the staff member. In addition, each board officer and director must annually sign a statement confirming that such disclosures have been made. All related party transactions shall be reviewed by independent directors. In reviewing such transactions, the board may request that the interested party state his or her views on the appropriateness of the transaction. The interested party then must leave the meeting while the independent directors determine whether the transaction is fair and reasonable and is in the best interest of An Open Book Foundation.”

“A compensation consultant was engaged to help the Board determine the appropriate salaries for comparable positions.”

“They are available on request and have been supplied to the government and other agencies to fulfill grant and licensing requirements.”

“Authors/illustrators present engaging book talks and interactive writing and drawing demonstrations and AOB gives every student attending the event a copy of the author's book to add to their home library. School and classroom libraries receive a set of the author's titles. Since our first event more than twelve years ago, we have given nearly 110,000 books to students and schools at over 1,200 school visits where authors and illustrators made over 2,200 presentations. During presentations, authors interact with classes; while signing student's books authors engage in one-on-one conversations with each student. These talented authors and illustrators donate their time to provide dynamic, interactive experiences including writing workshops, reading-aloud and literacy-based art projects. Meeting professional book creators can introduce students to a future career path they may not have otherwise considered. Students can imagine themselves as writers or artists when they meet authors and illustrators share their life experience or culture. Furthermore, with the addition of books to homes and schools, library circulation increases, home libraries expand, and children's enthusiasm grows. When the global pandemic forced schools to shift to distance learning, AOB quickly retooled our existing programs to a virtual format, and initiated a few new ones, to continue to fulfill AOB's mission. In the 2022-23 school year, AOB is returning to the classroom for a majority of its programming. In addition to our flagship author and illustrator school visits, program, An Open Book offers several other programs: 1. AOB's Artist-in-Residence Program features multi-session lessons that connect students and teachers to award-winning illustrators and their books by exploring a visual art process featured in the book's storyline or illustration medium. These lessons align with the DCPS Arts Framework. Techniques featured may include sculpting, comics, printmaking, or recycled material creations. Every student receives a kit of art supplies and at least one book. The students and teachers keep their books and kits so they can continue to practice what they've learned long after the residency has concluded. AOB provides the illustrator with a stipend, and illustrators' travel and hotel costs. 2. The STEM Residence Program features multi-session lessons that connect students and teachers to non-fiction writers and their books to explore STEM-related skills and concepts. The STEM Residence Program, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, focuses on hands-on applications related to science experiments, inquiries, and processes. Each student receives a copy of the book and a science materials kit. The students and teachers keep their books and kits so they can continue to practice what they learned long after the residency has concluded. AOB provides the author with a stipend and the authors' travel and hotel costs. 3. Our New and Emerging Artists of Color Program amplifies the voices of new and emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color) authors and illustrators. AOB recognizes the importance of connecting students with creators who look like them, but we face challenges getting debut Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color (BIPOC) book creators. Debut authors aren't always supported with publicity budgets and tours. Our program for new and emerging authors and illustrators of color amplifies the creative voices of new BIPOC authors/illustrators. AOB provides a modest stipend to every author/illustrator participating in this program and r travel and hotel expenses for authors/illustrators. 4. AOB and one of our community partners visits a school before or after a selected event with an extension activity. Using lesson plans developed by our education coordinator and/or one of our nonprofit partners, students explore an aspect of their book and/or a connection to their current curriculum. These activities explore how books act as catalys”