Equal Access to Quality Education
First Book believes that education is the best way out of poverty for children in need. We address the needs of the whole child supporting their education, basic needs, and wellness – all of which are essential to educational equity. All of these resources are made affordable to our member network of more than 550,000 educators who exclusively serve kids in need.
Our Network of Educators
Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 225 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income communities in all 50 states and provinces in Canada. First Book currently reaches an average of 5 million children every year and supports more than a third of the estimated 1.3 million classrooms and programs serving children in need.
With an additional 1,000 educators joining First Book’s Network each week, we have the largest and fastest-growing network of educators in the United States exclusively serving kids in need. First Book members work in classrooms, after school, and summer or early childhood programs, shelters and health clinics, libraries, community programs, military support programs, and other settings serving a majority of children in need.
Our Model of Change
First Book Network
Comprises North America’s largest community of educators working on the frontlines with children in need at schools and programs across the U.S.
First Book Marketplace
Provides the First Book Network with 24-hour, year-round access to an award-winning repository of affordable and new books, educational resources, and basic necessities curated for kids in need ages 0-18.
First Book Research & Insights
Advances education and poverty research by generating original data that amplifies educators’ voices, drives First Book’s models, and informs content on the First Book Marketplace.
First Book Accelerator
Turns current research and evidence-based strategies from leading experts into actionable tools that are shared with our network — so educators don’t have to wait months or years to use innovative best practices in their classrooms and programs.
As First Book enters our 30th year, our nation’s children and educators need our support more than ever. The pandemic has taken an enormous toll on education, compounding existing economic and resource disparities with learning disruptions and mental health challenges. The First Book community has become a powerful force for social justice, supporting educators, removing barriers to learning, and addressing educational inequities.
Creating partnerships and opportunities for our educators is at the heart of what we do.
Contact Us
Join Our Network
Educators can join First Book’s network — the largest and fastest-growing network of educators, schools, and programs serving children in need across the United States and Canada — to bring titles and resources to your classroom or organization
Other Ways to Connect
- Email us at help@firstbook.org
- Call First Book’s National Office at (202) 393-1222
- Call our Support Team at (866) READ-NOW or (866) 732-3669 (available 9am – 5pm EST)
- Mail us at First Book, 1319 F St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004