BookGive Nears Fundraising Goal for 'Free Bookshop'

BookGive, the Denver, Colo., nonprofit that distributes new and gently used books to individuals, schools, senior living facilities, homeless shelters, prisons, schools and nonprofits throughout the metro area, is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to create a "free bookshop" at its location in a former service station, KDVR reported. The campaign has raised almost $7,000 of its $8,150 goal.

"The services are a little different, but we are doing a service.... We are a nonprofit that delivers free books and makes books available where they are needed," BookGive executive director Melissa Monforti said, adding that each book becomes an opportunity. "They are a great way to open your mind up to other ways that people think, or their experiences.... It is so invaluable because it really helps people understand each other. It builds empathy, it allows us to be more compassionate to each other and makes our communities stronger, because we can see each other in the stories."

Launched in 2019 by president Nicole Sullivan, who owns BookBar in Denver, the organization has "already made a big impact, donating more than 85,000 books. And they hope to do even more in the community," KDVR noted.

"Sort of like a food bank, where they have hours of operation where you can come and take food. Here, you would come and take books instead," Monforti explained.

Now, BookGive is asking for the public's help to build out its front room to be accessible for all visitors. "We are this close to obtaining our certificate of occupancy which means preparing our front room as a giant walk-in/roll-in free book shop," the organization noted on its fundraising page. "Imagine a bright, happy space with bookshelves full of adventures and stories, information and history for all ages! We will need to build wheelchair access as well as install awnings to protect books from sun damage. We want our entire community to know they had a hand in creating a welcoming environment for all who need access to free books."

BookGive continues host community events, including a holiday book giveaway set for Saturday. "We are very excited to offer the community thousands of free books to take for the holidays. There is no limit to the amount of books you can take," Monforti said.

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