First Book for Libraries
Make the most out of your programming budget.
Maximize Your Budget, Expand Your Reach
Every kid deserves books that are theirs for keeps. Whether you buy thousands of books for a summer reading program, send books home with kids for their shelves at home, or stock a Little Free Library, First Book helps maximize your budget and reach.
For more than 30 years, First Book has provided free and deeply discounted books to librarians serving children in need. The First Book Marketplace is stocked with brand-new books for ages 0-18, distributing 12 million books and resources annually into the hands and homes of kids nationwide.
Benefits For Your Library
Your mission to foster literacy and learning in your out-of-school program is directly powered by ours.
- •Literacy Outreach & Gifting: Provide books for programs like summer reading giveaways, take-homes for Reading Buddies events, and bundles for “Born to Read” early literacy kits.
- •Community Support: Source culturally relevant titles for activities like Cultural & Heritage Month celebrations, stocking Little Free Libraries, and creating lending collections for local schools.
- •Program Enrichment: Offer brand-new, high-interest titles for every child for story time, take-homes, or author visits.
As one of the country’s largest purchasers of children’s books, we offer members a professionally curated selection of brand-new, relevant titles – made available through our publishing relationships at 50-90% off retail.
Our title selection team is made up of educators and librarians.
We select high-interest titles in varied formats, in over 20 languages, and vetted to serve diverse populations. Additionally, the First Book Marketplace offers nonbook items that support the whole child, including school supplies, hygiene products, and hands-on activities for everyday learning needs.
How First Book Supports Librarians
10,000+
First Book Members are Librarians or Library Support Staff
22,000+
Large Orders for Libraries Have Been Fulfilled in 3 Years
77%
Of Members Say They Can Reach More Children In Need Because of First Book*
28%
Of Members Report Books from First Book Allowed Them to Start New Programs*
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Partner With First Book
There are two ways to work with First Book: Membership and First Book Nonprofit Partnership
Membership
First Book membership is always free. Any individual working in a public library or purchases books for a library is eligible to register and start saving on the First Book Marketplace.
Partnership
Libraries are invited to become Nonprofit Partners, unlocking additional benefits and perks beyond standard membership, including access to bulk ordering, gift certificate creation, surveying our Network of more than 600,000 youth-serving professionals, and exclusive purchase, grant, and free book opportunities.
Please note: The Nonprofit Partnerships team does not manage inquiries from authors or distribute donations. To stay informed about funding opportunities and free books, make sure you’re a First Book member
I work at a public library, and we love First Book! We give away books at bookmobile stops and community events. We love the selection, especially the diversity of titles so our patrons can see themselves in our books. We love that we can often find books that are $3 and under as well, because we need to get the most for our money that we can. Thanks First Book!Mary A., First Book Member
I am a librarian at a public library in a rural town. First Book is a great resource for us to be able to provide books for our community. It has been especially helpful in the current trying times. To know that we can afford to put, not just a book, but a high-quality book in kid’s hands has been a real blessing.Vicki C., First Book Member
Because of the First Book Book Bank, our small, underfunded public library is able to put new books in the hands of kids from birth through teen years via community outreach, special events and class visits and library visits. Service is exceptional as is the opportunity. Thanks!Donna B., First Book Member