How It Works
Member libraries typically see as much as 50% increase in overall profitability from sales after joining The Book Forest.
The sales benefit public library programs that serve to promote literacy, community engagement, and increased access to educational, technological, and cultural services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, Friends of the Library members experience a small (6%) decline in their in store revenue and a very large (31%) increase in their online revenue, resulting in an average net 50% increase in overall profit.
No. Only a fraction of the items sold are from donations to the library (10%-15%). Of the small percentage that are donations, those donations are creating cash revenue for the library and thereby serving the library well.
The Book Forest has been building its reputation and network for over eight years. We help identify more of our members’ items for sale and identify those items that can be sold at a higher value. These activities increase overall profit earned by our members, even after the commission has been paid. The Book Forest can also work with your online sales volunteers.
Not at all. The Book Forest handles every aspect of your online sales. From listing your books to answering questions, setting up your amazon.com account, and making the final sale, The Book Forest enables The Friends of the Library to make more money selling books on-line, with unlimited tech support. The Book Forest is here to help you every step of the way.
Typically, our smaller libraries earn $100-$400, while our larger libraries earn about $1,000-$1,500 each month. It all depends on the volume items sold and the dedication of the library to participating in the program.
Member Libraries
Friends of the Alameda Library
Friends of the Belmont Library
Friends of the Cloverdale Library
Friends of the El Cerrito Library
Friends of the Fremont Library
Friends of the Healdsburg Library
Friends of the Hercules Library
Friends of the Martinez Library
Friends of the Mill Valley Library
Friends of the Moraga Library
Friends of the Novato Library
Friends of the Oakley Library
Friends of the Pacifica Library
Friends of the Palo Alto Library
Friends of the Petaluma Library
Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library
Friends of the San Carlos Library
Friends of the San Lorenzo Library
Friends of the San Rafael Library
Friends of the Santa Clara Library
Friends of the Santa Rosa Libraries
Friends of the Sebastopol Library
Friends of the Sonoma Valley Library
Friends of the Vallejo Library
Friends of the Windsor Library
Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library
Global Book Exchange
Hospice by the Bay
Newark Library League
River Friends of the Guerneville Library
San Ramon Library Foundation
Testimonials
“As co-managers of the Friends of the San Rafael Public Library book sales, we are happy to recommend Forest Chambliss (doing business as thebookforest.com) in partnering with the Friends on Internet book sales.”
Pam Dixon & Karen Nielson
San Rafael Public Library
“We talked to a number of dealers about their experiences with online sales. We found Forest to be a refreshing change from many of the dealers we have met over the years. He is well-mannered and is able to listen and respond to our concerns about our business and ways of doing things.”
Debbie Mazzolini
Belvedere Tiburon Library
“Since beginning to work with thebookforest.com, Forest has responded quickly to any problems or questions we have had. He also has demonstrated integrity in working with us and our on-line customers.”
Janice Smith
San Rafael Public Library
“I strongly recommend Mr. Chambliss without reservation. Friends of the Library in Sausalito considers thebookforest.com an integral partner in ensuring a vibrant future for our library.”
Libby Wilkinson
Sausalito City Library
“We were delighted to find that our online sales were netting $1,500 a month, with a minimum of additional work on our part. Basically, we scan the books. Forest does the rest.”