Hidden Gems: Meet Melissa Monforti of BookGive

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Monforti. 

Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
What began as a local community book exchange, over the course of ten years grew into the beloved local independent bookstore, BookBar, and then into BookBar’s nonprofit subsidiary, BookGive. In early 2020, BookGive became a 501(c)(3) and began operating from the BookGive Service Station, a 1940’s era gas station in the Regis neighborhood of Denver. Even throughout the early stages of the pandemic, BookGive attracted dozens of volunteers and served many organizations in the seven-county region. BookGive sources books from the community and from booksellers and publishers to deliver curated collections of books that directly enhance and support the work of our beneficiaries. To date, BookGive has delivered over 65,000 free books to nonprofits, agencies, and underserved schools from Longmont to Littleton, Golden to Brighton.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
BookGive officially opened on March 10, 2020 with a fun volunteer workday. Two weeks later, Denver shut down the city and we closed the big garage doors. With just myself – BookGive’s only employee, and one volunteer – my mother – we sorted and organized thousands of books in preparation for the day when operations could begin. The pandemic challenged our ability to accept book donations and to deliver free books. Once it became clear that the virus didn’t transmit on surfaces like books and boxes, we were able to start really working.

As with many nonprofits, 2020 was a difficult year for fundraising. Philanthropy was rightly focused on meeting the basic needs of food, rental assistance, and medical and mental health services. Being a new nonprofit posed another obstacle for BookGive. We were amazed to find that a few early adopters and a couple of initial small wins launched the fledgling fundraising program with some larger donations, a few grants and many individual donors giving less than $100.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BookGive?
BookGive is the only Denver area nonprofit delivering free books for both children and adults. We specialize in curating our deliveries to directly meet the needs of our beneficiaries. For example, when we called Urban Peak, at first, they resisted the idea of us bringing some free books. In their experience, free books meant a box of someone’s throwaways. When we brought them young adult titles featuring queer characters and people of color, they were thrilled to receive books that truly appealed to the youth they serve.

In order to make sure every recipient gets the books they need; we spend time discussing those needs with the staff of the school or agency we’re serving. On the book side, we’re very picky about what books we accept and only deliver books in the best of condition that have broad appeal.

All this takes hundreds of hours of volunteer time. We run a lean machine, but could not keep up with the demand for free books if not for funds contributed by donors.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Attract a go-getter team and be flexible when things can be improved or changed for a better outcome.

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@bookgivedenver.org
• Website: bookgivedenver.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookgivedenver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookGiveDenver/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BookGiveDenver