There are thousands of book access organizations in the U.S. who work hard to get books to kids in need. We know that these organizations face similar hurdles: limited title variety, high book costs, expensive storage, unpredictable shipping, and the expense (and headaches) of supply chain management.
But what if you didn’t have to worry about all that? First Book is building a collective purchasing platform designed to clear these hurdles. The new platform will provide four distinct operational advantages:
1. Expanded Curatorial Control: Private, secure access to a selection of an estimated +1 million titles.
2. Institutional Pricing Power: Even small organizations will benefit from deep discount rates usually reserved for large national buyers.
3. Drastic “Total Cost” Reduction: Collective optimizing of freight and warehousing.
4. Operational Efficiency: A robust infrastructure already built to scale eliminates the need for individual organizations’ tech and logistics support.
The platform will include options based on your needs and timelines:
- For agility (First Book Marketplace): Order 24/7 with no minimums and 5-10 day delivery for immediate, flexible needs.
- For predictability (Monthly Buys): Secure guaranteed quantities with a 3-4 week lead time by joining our monthly PO cycles.
- For speed and volume (Direct Ship): Achieve high efficiency with case-quantity orders with rapid 3-8 day turnaround times. [Note that this option available later than other options.]
- For maximum impact (Custom Buys): Leverage custom First Book print runs to get the lowest possible price point with an upfront commitment.
- For support and control (Bulk Buys): Customized curation support and guaranteed quantities with a 3-month lead time.
Together, we can reach more kids with great books and truly make an impact on their lives.
Presenters: Etienne Veber and Kelly Griffin
Etienne Veber is the Chief Operating Officer at First Book, bringing extensive leadership experience in the education, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors. Previously, he was CEO of Media Source Inc., which publishes The Library Journal, The School Library Journal, The Horn Book and distributes the Junior Library Guild, and is dedicated to enhancing literacy through professional development and curated book collections to support librarians and educators. He also served on the Executive Board of the Field Trip Factory, a charity providing free experiential learning opportunities that are connected to the curriculum and increase students’ sense of belonging as well as career awareness.
Before that, Etienne served as President of Learning Resources, Inc. which develops and distributes hands-on supplemental learning resources. Under his 7-year leadership tenure, the company delivered considerable operational improvements while doubling in size. Prior to moving into the education sector, he held various leadership roles at the Monsanto Corporation and led Merisant Worldwide Inc., a global consumer packaged goods company.
Etienne has been an active community participant and volunteer for many years having served on the board of the French Lycée of Chicago for 10 years, as Chair of the school board of the Walter Payton Public High School for 3 years, and as Board member of the Alliance Française. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the American Diabetes Association, the Chicago’s “Idea Week”, and the Toys Industry Association. Originally from Paris, Etienne is fluent in French. He holds a B.S. in International Management from INSEEC in Paris and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Kelly Griffin, Vice President of Nonprofit Partnerships at First Book
Griffin has led dozens of complex organizations in navigating significant strategy and culture shifts. As Vice President of Nonprofit Partnerships at First Book, she builds strategic relationships with a broad spectrum of nonprofit entities - from national organizations to community organizations, libraries, early childhood centers, faith-based entities, and health clinics - to ensure that every partner can better achieve its core objectives.
Before coming to First Book, Griffin was an independent strategy consultant guiding organizations with missions like ending hunger, correcting policing inequity, and improving workforce development. She previously held strategy positions at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), KABOOM!, AmeriCorps, and AARP. She is the author of “Solve, Not Serve: What Other Nonprofit Management Books Won’t Tell You” (New Degree Press 2022), an International Association of Facilitators-Endorsed Facilitator, and a certified executive coach.
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