Is it just us or do our homes suddenly become smaller come springtime? Okay … it may be that we have accumulated an obscene amount of stuff throughout the holidays (AND our online shopping addiction fueled by too much time inside). Either way, spring cleaning is almost a necessary practice to keep sane after having been cooped up for the past several months. Rather than tossing away the items you are not interested in keeping anymore, consider passing them on to those less fortunate. Let Open Books help. They are an award-winning nonprofit organization promoting literacy in Chicago community programs. Their social enterprise model, which combines book donations, a retail shop, e-commerce and compassionate volunteers, sustain their literacy programs for students of all ages across the city. Donate your books any time at their drop box (1740 W. Webster Ave.), during business hours (Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.) at their store (213 W. Institute Pl., 312-475-1355), have them pick them up at your home, or mail them to the store.