The Need

Millions of children from low-income areas don’t have the tools they need to learn. With your help, we can change this.
Take Action Become a Member
Understanding the Need
In low-income communities, books and educational resources are scarce. Kids start school behind their more affluent peers and never catch up.

A record number of kids are growing up in need.

  • More than half of U.S. public school students live in low-income households.

Public education and programs are deeply underfunded.

  • 23 states are spending less on education than before the 2008 recession.

Without adequate resources, children cannot learn.

  • 79% of fourth graders from low-income households do not read proficiently.

The impact of this cycle is staggering.

  • Poor educational outcomes are tied to future poverty, unemployment, illness, and crime.

Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, Annie E. Casey Kids Count, World Literacy Foundation.

Our Solution
Through our award-winning distribution channels, the First Book Marketplace and the First Book National Book Bank, we deliver resources — chosen based on educator feedback — to where they are needed most.
First Book provides resources where there were none before
82% of the First Book network report that without First Book their children would have few or no new books.
First Book increases children's interest in reading
In a poll of the First Book network, 87% report children’s increased interest in reading after receiving books from First Book.
First Book improves teacher impact and performance
In a poll of the First Book network, 79% say First Book helps them be the best educator they can be.
First Book helps close the achievement gap
In a poll of the First Book network, 88% report resources from First Book helps close the achievement gap for the kids they serve.

The Impact

First Book transforms the lives of children in need by making brand-new, high-quality books and resources affordable and available to the educators and kids who need them most.

175 million
books and resources distributed to date.
5 million
children reached annually.
400,000
registered members, with 1,000 new educators joining weekly.
1 out of every 3
classrooms and programs serving kids in need reached.
Meet Our Members 2017 Impact Report
First Book Insights

The Number One Barrier to Learning: Basic Needs

Children who discover the joy of reading not only do better in school, but also have a life full of adventure ahead. We are grateful to First Book for helping us foster the love of reading in so many children in need.

— Marty, H.O.P.E (Help Our People Eat) | Forsyth County, North Carolina