Stories Don't Die: How Jurema Gorham Is Putting Books Into the Hands of a Generation
- May 28
- 4 min read
Before there was a festival, there was a free table.
A table covered in books, set out during community book clubs, waiting for any family that wanted to take one home. No cost. No barrier. Just books, and the belief that the right story in the right hands could change everything.
That table belongs to Jurema Gorham, founder of Burst Into Books and the creative force behind the Words of Wonder Literary Festival. Since 2018, she has turned that simple idea into a movement that has put tens of thousands of books into the hands of South Side families, built one of Chicago's most beloved community festivals from the ground up, and proven that when you lower the barriers to reading, extraordinary things happen.
We sat down with Jurema ahead of WOW Lit Fest 2026 to talk about where it all started, where it's going, and why 25,000 books is just the beginning.
FROM A FREE TABLE TO A FESTIVAL
What started as a simple table of free books has grown into one of Chicago’s most vibrant literary and community-driven movements.
For Jurema Gorham, founder of Burst Into Books Community Arts Space and the Words of Wonder (WOW) Literary Festival, access to books has always been about more than reading. It’s about possibility, imagination, healing, and community.
“When we first started giving away books, it was actually at the beginning of our organization,” Gorham shared. “During book clubs, I would always have a free table for books so families could build their home library.”
That commitment to making books accessible has remained at the heart of Burst Into Books since 2018. Families were encouraged to bring books they no longer needed, browse donated titles, and take home stories that spoke to them. What began as a small offering inside community gatherings slowly evolved into something much larger.
Today, that once modest free table has transformed into a dedicated book giveaway experience that serves thousands throughout Chicago.
At the center of that growth is a deeply held belief: everyone deserves access to books.
“I believe access to books shouldn’t be hindered by finances, transportation, or lack of awareness,” Gorham explained. “People often say they don’t like reading simply because they haven’t found the right book.”
That philosophy has guided the organization’s expansion over the years. Through partnerships with organizations like Bernie’s Book Bank, Open Books, and Chicago Public Schools’ Department of Literacy, Burst Into Books has been able to provide books for all ages while also purchasing books from local authors to support the literary ecosystem as a whole.
The impact has been undeniable.
In 2025 alone, Burst Into Books gave away 19,428 books throughout the community. For 2026, Gorham’s goal is even bigger: 25,000 books.
2018 Founded Burst Into Books | 19,428 Books given away in 2025 alone | 25,000 2026 goal and counting |
“With our events, partnerships, and the free library, I believe we’ll exceed that goal,” she said confidently.
The organization’s bookstore in Roseland and the addition of a free outdoor library have also dramatically expanded their reach, allowing books to circulate throughout the community daily.
The response from the community has been emotional and affirming.
“We’ve gotten phone calls and thanks from schools, families, and community members,” Gorham said. “People are appreciative, and it’s made a real impact.”
But for Gorham, books are not simply educational tools; they are bridges.
“Reading is a life skill that expands your understanding beyond your immediate community,” she explained. “It broadens your perspective and enhances life’s quality.”
That same vision inspired the creation of the WOW Lit Fest.
Growing up in Chicago, Gorham loved the energy and excitement of festivals. But she noticed something missing on the South Side: a literary festival that centered community, creativity, and Black storytelling.
“I wanted a lively, family festival that merges reading with fun,” she said. “There wasn’t a literary festival on Chicago’s South Side, and we have amazing writers who deserve celebration.”
What emerged was more than a literary event, it became an immersive cultural experience.
The festival creates opportunities for children and families to meet renowned authors, discover new stories, and experience literature in an engaging, accessible way. It also fills a deeper gap for communities that have historically experienced disinvestment.
“It celebrates the Roseland/Pullman area’s rich history and shows every neighborhood’s story matters,” Gorham said. “It bridges communities through storytelling.”
The first year of the festival confirmed that the vision was bigger than a single event.
With celebrated creators Jacqueline Woodson and E.B. Lewis serving as early headliners, Gorham received encouragement that solidified her belief in the festival’s future.
“They were impressed and told me we had something special,” she recalled. “That validation fueled us to keep growing year after year.”
Now entering its fifth year, WOW Lit Fest has become known for its high energy, immersive atmosphere, family-centered programming, and intentional celebration of Black storytelling.
“It’s fully immersive and loud, in a great way,” Gorham said. “It lives up to ‘Words of Wonder.’ We’re intentional about highlighting Black storytelling, resisting erasure, and empowering families to meet the artists who’ll inspire the next generation.”
The feedback continues to reflect the festival’s growing impact. Attendees praise the workshops, performances, giveaways, and family-friendly environment. Sponsors continue to support the mission because of its inclusivity and accessibility.
And through it all, one thing remains constant: the belief that stories matter.
“Stories don’t die, even if books go digital,” Gorham said. “There’s nothing like holding a book.”
As Burst Into Books and WOW Lit Fest continue to grow, so does their mission: to ensure that every child, family, and community member can see themselves reflected in stories and have access to the tools that inspire lifelong learning.
From a single free book table to a citywide literary movement, Jurema Gorham is proving that when communities are given access to stories, they gain access to possibility.
JOIN JUREMA AND THE WORDS OF WONDER FAMILY 5th Annual WOW Lit Fest · Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center · July 25, 2026 11 AM - 6 PM Free admission · All ages RSVP at wowlitfest.com |
Comments