Beyond Books 2025

On Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, in conjunction with National Digital Inclusion Week, scaleLIT hosted our eighth fundraiser and awards ceremony, Beyond Books. With over 120 amazing guests and three truly inspiring award winners, The Library on LaSalle was the perfect venue, beautifully highlighting the energy, laughter, and chatter that filled its bookshelves. Guests filled the space and noshed on delicious appetizers from Maison Cuisine Chicago and drinks donated from Revolution Brewery. As everyone came together to make the night unforgettable, Eileen Molony Photography captured the activities, and Sound Investments provided all of the A/V support for the program. Thanks to the incredible support of our guests, sponsors, and everyone involved, scaleLIT is well-equipped to continue making a difference in our community!

Award Winners and Guests

During the program, scaleLIT honored three fantastic award winners for their work with a special focus on digital literacy, equity and inclusion. 

First, Maty N. of PODER received our Personal Achievement Award in recognition of her use of technology for motivation in support of her community and classmates. Because Maty N. was unable to attend, Brian Kopinski, Integrated Education and Workforce Development Program Manager at PODER accepted the award on her behalf.

Next, Shannon Distel won the Shirley Jenkins Adult Education Provider Award. Shannon is the Computer Skills Instructor at Trellus, where she teaches technology classes to English language learners. She helps refugees and immigrants gain the digital skills they need to navigate life, access opportunities, and build a future in their new communities.

Kyla Williams Tate, Director of Digital Equity at the Cook County Office of the President, was then awarded as scaleLIT’s 2025 Literacy Leader in recognition of her dedication to digital initiatives, including the County's Digital Equity Plan. The Literacy Leader Award was presented by Iona Calhoun-Battiste, Senior Director, Collective Power at The Chicago Community Trust.

The program video below by Mimi Productions 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 in attendance, including Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown, Lanetta Haynes Turner, the Chief of Staff for Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, State Representative of the 24th District, Theresa Mah, and City Council member for the 25th Ward, Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez.

Guests from the following member organizations were also in attendance:

Centro Romero, Indo-American Center, Poder, Trellus, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Erie Neighborhood House, Rails, Arts Alliance, Literacy Volunteers of IL, The Learning Center, and the IL Literacy Foundation.

Photos!

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or supported Beyond Books 2025. We are grateful for your generosity as we advance our mission to ensure equitable access to adult education, digital training, and workforce development services.