First Book Blog

Coming Together for Literacy: Inside KPMG’s Community Impact Day

Posted in: Impact Stories, Our Partners

For nearly 20 years, KPMG U.S. and the KPMG Friends & Family for Literacy (KFFL) have partnered with First Book to increase children’s access to books, support educators, and inspire a love of reading among children in low-income communities. As part of the firm’s 5th annual Community Impact Day, KPMG... Read more

Building Student Self-Confidence  

Posted in: For Educators

At First Book, we often talk about the power of books to open doors to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. But just as importantly, books and classroom experiences can help students build confidence, something they carry with them in and out of the classroom.   Research from First Book Research & Insight’s Student Mental... Read more

General Motors, First Book, and DPSCD Foundation Partner to Deliver 43,000 Books to Detroit Students

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

The nearly $500,000 investment will place books in 77 DPSCD schools and support literacy, STEM enrichment, and summer learning for thousands of Detroit students FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DETROIT, MI (May 26, 2026) — It’s a gift that will keep on giving for generations to come. 43,000 books will soon be... Read more

Celebrating 13 Years of Partnership: Guru Krupa Foundation and First Book Continue Expanding Access to Educational Resources 

Posted in: Our Partners

First Book is honored to build on our long-standing partnership with the Guru Krupa Foundation, whose generous support helps expand access to books and educational resources for children in under-resourced communities across the greater New York City and Nassau County areas.  Since our partnership began in 2012, First Book and... Read more

Supporting Student Well-Being 

Posted in: For Educators

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to recognize that along with their academic needs, students bring their emotions, experiences, and challenges into the classroom.  Feeling safe and supported is deeply connected to children’s ability to learn. At First Book, we work closely with educators serving children from low-income communities many of whom are navigating experiences that would... Read more

Closing the Literacy Gap: How One Mississippi Educator Is Making a Difference

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories

In 2024, the average reading score for the nation at grade 4 was 2 points lower compared to 2022 and 5 points lower compared to 2019 (NAEP). Mississippi, however, turned its reading scores around, now exceeding the national average—despite having the highest rate of poverty in the U.S.   Behind that success are educators who will do anything... Read more

National Library Month: Library Spotlight

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories

For National Library Month, we’re celebrating libraries that go above and beyond to meet the needs of their communities.   Meet Kim Angotti and Kelsey Bates of Kansas City Public Library (that’s Kansas City, Missouri – or as Kim and Kelsey informed us, “the COOL Kansas City”). Kim is the library’s Youth and Family Engagement Operations and Program Manager, while Kelsey... Read more

First Book and Blue Star Families to Distribute 35,000 Free Books During Big Book Giveaway on April 11 at National University in San Diego

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

The STEAM Book Family Festival is free and open to teachers from Title I schools and the families they serve, and to military families. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON (April 6) – The national nonprofit First Book and Blue Star Families are inviting military families, teachers from San Diego-area Title I... Read more

Talk About a Book Club:  New Partnership Between First Book and Little Free Library Will Expand Access to New Books and Boost Book Joy in Under-Resourced Neighborhoods Nationwide

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

Announcement at the national Public Library Association conference celebrates the role of libraries big and small to create community. Pictured (from left to right) Talia Miracle, Program Manager for Indigenous and Impact Library Programs; Kelly Griffin, First Book VP of Nonprofit Partnerships; LaTreena Fegely, Program Coordinator for Impact Library Programs... Read more

First Book Expands Support for Public Libraries Serving Under-Resourced Communities

Posted in: Press Room

Nonprofit offers deep discounts on new books and free educational resources to help eligible libraries strengthen community outreach programming. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON (March 31) – First Book, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to quality education, is expanding its outreach to public libraries serving under-resourced communities. The organization... Read more