FirstBook

First Book provides books to children from low-income families. The first step for a school, library, or other agency working with low-income children is to become familiar with the guidelines and register. Registered entities may ne eligible to receive books through First Book’s National Book Bank and First Book Marketplace.

In Connecticut, three First Book Advisory Boards coordinate local activities: Eastern CT, Fairfield County, and Greater Hartford. The Advisory Boards provide book grants to local literacy programs and raise awareness of literacy issues within communities, college campuses and universities. Beneficiaries have included:

* New London Office of Youth Affairs
* Madonna Place, Norwich
* St. James Head Start, New London
* Spice It Up with Nutmeg Reading Group sponsored by the Willimantic Public Library
* The Front Porch Foundation
* Child Works Preschool, New London
* B. P. Learned Mission & the Early Childhood Development Center sponsored by The Child & Family Agency
* Early Care in Education sponsored by the Thames Valley Council for Community Action