Category Archive: Archive

How a Mortgage Bank Makes It Possible for Kids to Have New Books

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Every year, First Book provides close to ten million brand-new books to local schools and community programs across the country. To make that happen, we rely on the generosity of thousands of individual donors, grants from charitable foundations, and the revenue-generating (and someday self-sustaining) power of own First Book Marketplace.... Read more

Share the Love! Books = Valentines

Posted in: Archive, Our Bookshelf

Help Second Graders Celebrate Friendiversary with New Books!

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For the third year in a row, our friend Mo Willems, beloved children’s author & illustrator, will be providing brand-new Elephant & Piggie books and activity kits to kids in need! The books and activity kits will go to second grade students in New Orleans, Springfield and Holyoke, Mass. (These... Read more

Investing in Education: Kyle Zimmer's Reaction to the State of the Union

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“Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.” — President Barack Obama I was grateful to hear the president talk about early childhood education tonight, and the enormous impact it... Read more

Will YOUR KIDS Have Books for 'Read Across America' Day?

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Read Across America Day is fast approaching; on March 1, children across the country will celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by reading ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and other childhood favorites. But, as much as we love Dr. Seuss, the READING part is the important bit. At First Book, we will... Read more

OMG Books! How First Book is Putting Half a Million Dollars on the Table to Make Sure Kids Get the Books They Need.

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UPDATE: So many publishers have expressed interest that we’ve extended the deadline for proposals until Friday, Feb. 8 at 9 pm ET. (If you’re a publisher and have already submitted materials, feel free to make changes and send it back in. Questions? Email omgbooks@firstbook.org.) # # # At First Book,... Read more

15,000 New Books on the National Mall, Plus Celebrities, Cabinet Secretaries and Cute Kids

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On Saturday, volunteers from across the country joined First Book on the National Mall in Washington DC to celebrate President Obama’s National Day of Service by providing 15,000 brand-new books to DC-area children from low-income families. Click here to see photos of the event, including pictures of volunteers, political leaders,... Read more

Operation Bookitecture!

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KPMG’s Family for Literacy brightened the holiday season for children across the country by bringing more than 49,000 brand new books to children in need as part of their firm-wide community service project, Operation Bookitecture. This was no ordinary book drive, however. Nearly 3,000 KPMG employees in 70 offices across... Read more

Pi Beta Phi Brings Books About Great American Women to Kids in Need

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This past November, First Book’s partner, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, celebrated their 100-year commitment to literacy service. To honor the momentous occasion, the Fraternity donated a special Pi Beta Phi edition of “Remember the Ladies: 100 Great American Women” to every student at Pi Beta Phi Elementary School... Read more

You Made This Happen: 213,802 Books in the Hands of Kids

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That’s right. Thanks to everyone who donated to First Book over the holiday season – and thanks to a generous matching offer from our friends at Disney – First Book was able to provide 213,802 brand-new, high-quality books to schools and programs serving children from low-income families across the country.... Read more