What is First Book?
First Book is a nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. The primary goal of First Book is to work with existing literacy programs to distribute new books to children who, for economic reasons, have little or no access to books.
When was First Book founded?
First Book was founded in 1992. In our first year, First Book distributed approximately 12,000 books in three communities.
How many books has First Book distributed?
First Book has provided more than 50 million new books to children in need in hundreds of communities nationwide.
How can I receive books through First Book?
Please refer to our Register with First Book page.
How can I get involved?
At the local level, activities are managed by First Book Advisory Boards. Advisory Board members are volunteers from a wide cross section of the community who can best identify the strength and needs of their local area and provide an ongoing supply of new books to low-income children in community based programs. First Book also has a need for volunteers to help with book distributions and special events on a periodic basis. Please contact us for more information on getting involved..
What is an Advisory Board?
An Advisory Board is a committee of local volunteers from all sectors (nonprofit, business, and government) of the community as well as independent individuals who join forces to provide new books to children participating in local literacy programs. Advisory Board members work with First Book staff to achieve the following goals:
- Select programs to receive book grants
- Raise funds to support the purchase of new books for the children in these programs.
- Recruit other members who represent a professional and cultural cross-section of the community.
- Participate in national cause-based marketing events and campaigns.
How is First Book funded?
First Book works closely with its network of corporate partners to develop new and innovative ways to use private sector strategies for the public good. First Book receives more than 90% of its funding from cause-based marketing campaigns developed in partnership with some of America's leading corporations and organizations. Our award-winning cause-related marketing campaigns are as diverse as our partners and are recognized as the best in the business. Combining the power of First Book's print, online, and retail partnerships with the ability to host localized events in more than 300 markets, First Book implements multi-dimensional campaigns that drive traffic, increase sales, and build brand awareness for First Book's partners while raising money to buy new books for children from low-income families. By leveraging the effectiveness of its proven model, First Book builds and supports its Advisory Board network, and raises funds for the purchase of millions of new books each year.
How can I make a monetary donation to First Book?
You can donate to First Book online via credit card or by mailing a check to the address below. Every $2.50 donated purchases one new book for a child in need.
First Book
1319 F St. NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004
If you would like to donate stocks or bonds, please contact us .
Is my donation tax-deductible?
First Book is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations to First Book are tax-deductible.
Can I donate books to First Book?
First Book accepts large-scale donations of new books directly from publishers. If you’re interested in becoming a publishing partner, contact us via the Firstbook National Book Bank.
First Book does not accept donations of used or new books from individuals. However, the proceeds of your used books can fund new books for kids in need.
For information on First Book subsidiaries (the First Book National Book Bank and the First Book Marketplace), please refer to our Register with First Book page.
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