National Press Release

Company donates use of vehicles to help organization reduce costs while collecting funds

CHICAGO, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Zipcar, the world's largest provider of cars on demand by the hour or day, and Open Books, Chicago's nonprofit literacy bookstore, today announced a partnership under which Zipcar will serve as the nonprofit's transportation partner. To help raise awareness about illiteracy in the Chicago area, Zipcar will also provide committed volunteers and help drive donations of used books.

By teaming up with Zipcar, Open Books will gain the priceless resource of members looking for volunteer opportunities and a fleet of vehicles for events and book drives, as well as promotional support. The partnership continues Zipcar's commitment to provide area nonprofits with a resource for their transportation needs and a pool of volunteers dedicated to the community.

"This partnership provides us with volunteers and vehicles, which is invaluable, as they are both essential needs to fulfilling our core mission," says Stacy Ratner, Executive Director, Open Books.

Open Books commenced operations in 2006 with a dream of opening a flagship bookstore and literacy center in Chicago. After three years, the organization will open its doors in 2009. The partnership with Zipcar enables Open Books to reduce costs associated with the operations of their literacy programs and gives them the option to consider additional programs.

"Zipcar is proud to support Open Book's vital mission, and to help our members give back to their community," said Steve Bishop, general manager for Zipcar Chicago. "Their program shares our goal of creating a better Chicago, and we always welcome the opportunity to connect our cars and members with volunteer opportunities."

About Zipcar

Zipcar is the world's leading car-sharing service with 250,000 members and 5,500 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout 28 North American states and provinces as well as in London, England. As a leader in urban transportation, Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to savvy city residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car in the city. For more information, visit Zipcar.com.

About Open Books

Open Books is a nonprofit social venture that operates an extraordinary bookstore, provides community programs, and mobilizes passionate volunteers to promote literacy in Chicago and beyond. Open Books enriches lives through reading, writing, and the employable power of used books. For more information, please visit www.open-books.org.

    CONTACT:
    Maria Martinez
    CooperKatz for Zipcar
    917-595-3059
    mmartinez@cooperkatz.com

SOURCE Zipcar