Is my organization eligible to receive books?

To view the requirements, please visit our eligibility page.

I have found out that my organization is eligible.  What next?

First Book Advisory Boards, located in more than 270 communities throughout the United States, provide programs serving children from low-income families grants to purchase children’s books from First Book’s publishing partner catalogs.  First Book Advisory Board grants offer each child in the program a steady supply of new books (between 6-12 books per child), at no cost to the program.  To find out if we are currently accepting grant applications or how to get involved, please send us an email to: hamptonroads_va@firstbook.org. 

Before you can access any of First Book’s programs, you need to register at http://register.firstbook.org.

First Book distributes books in two additional ways: the First Book Marketplace and the First Book National Book Bank.  The following are brief descriptions of these First Book distribution methods and the benefits of registering your program with First Book.

First Book Marketplace

The First Book Marketplace is an online store enabling programs serving children from low-income families to purchase children's books and educational materials for upwards of 85% off retail prices. That’s an average price of $1.80 per book! The Marketplace offers a broad range of high quality, award-winning titles for children of all ages. Registering with First Book enables programs to receive information about special promotions and sales on the Marketplace. Visit the Marketplace at http://www.fbmarketplace.org.

First Book National Book Bank

The First Book National Book Bank distributes large donations of brand-new books to programs serving children from low-income families.  There are many distributions hosted by the First Book National Book Bank annually at sites across the United States.  The First Book National Book Bank books are free to programs that are able to pick them up at a distribution site, or just $0.25 per book to have them shipped.  Once registered with First Book, you will receive email notifications about upcoming book distributions and directions on how to apply for the books.

You can learn more about these programs before you register at http://register.firstbook.org.

You can also:
Shop to support First Book!
Turn old books into new books! Drill down on the Get Involved Menu in the header, above.
Send an eCard!

 

Young volunteers put First Book donation labels in books for the Healthy Families Partnership Summer Reading Program

How can I become a volunteer for First Book - Hampton Roads?

The First Book - Hampton Roads Advisory Board is still looking for new members that are dedicated to the cause and are willing to volunteer their time and efforts.  We will also need volunteers to help with events if you are not interested in being on the Advisory Board.  Please e-mail us at:
hamptonroads_va@firstbook.org

How else can I get involved with First Book in my community?

- Volunteer with the First Book National Bank - volunteers are needed at book distributions in various cities.
- Tell organizations in your community that serve low-income children to register with First Book - Hampton Roads and receive books.
- Donate to your community's Advisory Board.
- E-mail the First Book - Hampton Roads Advisory Board to learn other ways to get involved.
hamptonroads_va@firstbook.org

What if I don't live in Hampton Roads?

First Book has more than 270 Advisory Boards nationwide.  To find out if your community has an advisory board, please visit National AB listing.

If you found there is no Advisory Board in your community, you can still receive books through other First Book programs.  You will also find information on how to start an Advisory Board in your community!