Meet Melissa Monforti | BookGive Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Monforti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
There is a false belief that everyone has access to books. There are libraries, right? Thrift stores have cheap books, right?

The fact is not everyone has access to books AND book ownership is an important indicator of educational and career success.

BookGive is Denver’s free book resource bringing books to those who can’t afford them, uplifting the level of literacy in our communities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I had personally stepped away from nonprofit work for years while starting a number of small businesses, raising kids and pursuing other dreams. It was a magical moment – like one from a well-written book – that landed me at BookGive. One of the throughlines of the BookGive story parallels my leadership role at BookGive: Stay grounded and be flexible. At BookGive, we know who we are at the core, but we’re always open to change and challenge.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I always bring my guests to BookBar! Tennyson Street is a great place to hang out with lots of shops and food options. BookBar has been a favorite since it opened nearly ten years ago. The vibe is relaxed, surrounded by books and book people but also with drinks!

Walks through LoHi and LoDo are a must. Stops at the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Denver Art Museum are top on the list too.

We always head up for a hike too, depending on the ability of my guests.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
BookGive’s success is built upon the book lovers of our communities who buy books at our two supporting bookstores, BookBar on Tennyson and The Bookies in Glendale. Ten percent of book sales and all VIP memberships directly support the nonprofit. That means thousands of neighbors – you! – are who we want to give all the kudos and shoutouts. Without the generosity of book lovers, we wouldn’t be able to help those who can’t afford books.

Website: bookgivedenver.org

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Image Credits
All photos owned by BookGive.