Skip to Content List

  • Skip to primary content
  • Skip to footer content

Site Navigation Lists

  • Fellowship Application
  • Grantmaking Process
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • About
    • Mission and Vision
    • Staff
    • Board
    • Leadership Council
    • Impact Reports
    • Impact Photo Series
  • Programs and Impact
    • Our Programs and Impact
    • Education and Youth Development
    • Criminal and Juvenile Justice
    • Addiction and Health Equity
    • Community Fellowships
  • Grantees and Fellows
    • Grantee Database
    • Grantmaking Process
    • Community Fellows
    • How to Apply
  • News and Reports
    • Baltimore Justice Report
    • Newsletters
    • Reports
    • Impact Reports
    • Blueprint for Baltimore
    • OSI in the News
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
    • 20th Anniversary Speaker Series
    • Talking About Race Series
    • Talking About Addiction Series
  • Privacy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Community Guidelines
  • Terms & Conditions
Open Society Institute – Baltimore

Open Society Institute – Baltimore

Open Society Institute (OSI) – Baltimore : Audacious Thinking For Lasting Change

  • Fellowship Application
  • Grantmaking Process
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • EN
    • EN
    • ES
  • About
    • Mission and Vision
    • Staff
    • Board
    • Leadership Council
    • Impact Reports
    • Impact Photo Series
  • Programs and Impact
    • Our Programs and Impact
    • Education and Youth Development
    • Criminal and Juvenile Justice
    • Addiction and Health Equity
    • Community Fellowships
  • Grantees and Fellows
    • Grantee Database
    • Grantmaking Process
    • Community Fellows
    • How to Apply
  • News and Reports
    • Baltimore Justice Report
    • Newsletters
    • Reports
    • Impact Reports
    • Blueprint for Baltimore
    • OSI in the News
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
    • 20th Anniversary Speaker Series
    • Talking About Race Series
    • Talking About Addiction Series
Help Restore the Book Thing of Baltimore

Featured in
Baltimore Justice Report

Next Article
New York Times highlights work of Community Fellow

Baltimore Justice Report

Help Restore the Book Thing of Baltimore

Wednesday, March 02, 2016

Content Social Share Links

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter

A fire early this morning caused severe damage to a warehouse housing the beloved Book Thing of Baltimore, which has served as a vibrant free book exchange and community institution for more than 15 years. Book Thing founder Russell Wattenberg, who was one of OSI-Baltimore’s first Community Fellows in 2000, made some comments through an intermediary on Book Thing’s Facebook page:

Russell asked me to provide an update about this morning’s fire. There has been an outpouring of concern and people asking “what can we do?”. He is responding to as many of you as possible but is understandably busy with insurance, media, etc. and appreciates your concern and patience.

First and foremost, everyone is safe. There is substantial damage to the building – from fire, smoke, water…. Russell is meeting with the appropriate professionals (plumbing, electrical, roofing/construction) to see what immediate and longer-term steps need to be taken.

As always, the support of fellow civic-minded bibliophiles is appreciated. Exact needs are not known right now, but donations through the Book Thing’s Paypal account will be put to good use as the Book Thing rebuilds.

Those interested can make donations by clicking the “donate” button on the left side of the Book Thing website. Russell and Book Thing have earned tremendous community support over the years we know we’re not alone in hoping that this vital institution gets back on its feet as soon as possible.

Related Content

The Sun’s Justin George on the underpinnings of crime

Baltimore Sun crime reporter Justin George is interviewed in this Q and A from the Trace. George recognizes that the issues o…

Read More

Post navigation

Previous Article Previous VIDEO: #VoteBmore Mayoral Primary Forum
Next Article Next Article Statement on School Police
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube

Subscribe to our mailing list

OSI Logo

Open Society Institute-Baltimore
Bold Thinking, Strategic Action, Justice for All.

Quick donate

© 2023 Open Society Institute-Baltimore
  • Privacy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Community Guidelines
  • Terms & Conditions
Skip to top of page