Mother-Son Duo Host Book Drive To Expand Access For Students In Chicago

WINNETKA, IL — A mother-son duo from Winnetka is running a book drive to support Title 1 schools in Chicago that lack funding for books in their libraries.

This is Lowey Bundy Sichol and Tucker Sichol's third time organizing a book drive, the first being three years ago. Lowey, a children's book author, told Patch she was inspired to start a book drive after doing an author talk at a school in Chicago's South Side.

While there, Lowey learned that the school didn't have a library due to a lack of funding. One teacher at the school had just received approval to turn an empty classroom into a library of sorts, but didn't have one main ingredient: books.

"That moment sparked my desire to run the first book drive. This was back in 2023 and we collected a couple hundred books from friends and neighbors," Lowey said."

Tucker, a junior in high school, said he wanted to hop on board this year because he enjoys finding ways to give back to his community. A book drive is the perfect way to give back, Tucker said, because it gives books a second life, improves education and helps the planet.

The pair aims to collect and deliver more than 1,000 books this year.

As an author, Lowey recognizes how important it is for any person to connect to literature, no matter their age. Research studies have proven that having access to books at home and in school helps to improve language skills, reduce stress and positively impact long-term education.

"One of my favorite quotes comes from Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, a professor at Ohio State University, who said that books should be 'mirrors and windows.' What this means is that readers should be able to see themselves in books (mirrors) and they should also be able to see the world outside of theirs," Lowey said. "But how do children get this opportunity to see themselves in books or learn about what else is out there if they don’t even have access to books?"

As a student, Tucker said he's grateful to have had access to many books throughout his life. Reading has made a positive impact on his life, increasing his passion for learning and inspiring him to learn about different ideas, cultures and innovations.

Tucker said he hopes book drives like theirs help to connect the north side to the south side.

"Sometimes teachers have to come out of pocket to purchase these items for their classrooms, which doesn’t seem right. We picked the South Side of Chicago because it’s close and yet so underfunded. We should be doing more to make Chicagoland a better place and a closer community," Tucker said.

Lowey and Tucker are looking for K-8 books for the drive. They can be gently used or new and can range from picture books to early chapter books to novels.

Those interested in donating can drop books off at:

• Winnetka Library (768 Oak St., Winnetka)
• Hubbard Woods School (1110 W Chatfield Rd., Winnetka)
• Bratschi Plumbing (801 Oak St., Winnetka)