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.
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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.
Our Impact
First Book delivers resources where they are needed most.
First Book provides resources where there were none before
82 percent of the First Book Network reported that without First Book, their students would have few or no new books.
First Book increases children's interest in reading
In a poll of the First Book Network, 87 percent of members reported children's interest in reading increased after receiving books from First Book.
First Book improves teacher performance and impact
In a poll of the First Book Network, 79 percent of members said 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 percent of members reported resources from First Book helped close the achievement gap for the kids they serve.
See our 2018 Impact Report

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.

185 million
books and resources distributed to date.
5 million
children reached annually.
450,000
registered members, with 1,000 new educators joining weekly.
Meet Our Members 2018 Impact Report
First Book Research & 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