First Book

First Book First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise focused on providing new books and educational resources to children in low-income communities. Founded in 1992, it operates a network that connects educators, community programs, and publishers to distribute books, materials, and data-driven services. Its operations intersect with major philanthropic initiatives, municipal programs, national libraries, and global literacy campaigns.

History

First Book was founded in 1992 by Kyle Zimmer and partners in response to disparities highlighted by studies from institutions such as Annie E. Casey Foundation, UNICEF, Pew Research Center, and reports released after the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. Early collaborations included pilot distributions with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Head Start, Reading Is Fundamental, and Teach For America. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s the organization scaled distribution models alongside partnerships with major publishers including Scholastic Corporation, Penguin Random House, and HarperCollins. First Book expanded its policy engagement through alliances with entities such as the Library of Congress, U.S. Department of Education, and municipal systems like the New York Public Library. In the 2010s the organization launched digital initiatives while responding to crises that involved coordination with Federal Emergency Management Agency and relief networks following disasters that affected school districts and community centers. Recent history includes programmatic adaptations tied to research from Institute of Education Sciences, evaluations by Urban Institute, and strategic investments from philanthropic organizations such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Ford Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation.

Mission and Programs

The organization’s mission centers on improving access to age-appropriate books and educational materials for educators and programs serving children from low-income households, often implemented through initiatives tied to Head Start, Early Head Start, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and after-school providers like Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Core programs include a nonprofit marketplace that offers discounted books to verified educators working within Title I-eligible schools, partnerships that support classroom libraries in collaboration with entities such as United Way, and targeted campaigns to support populations served by Refugee Resettlement agencies and juvenile justice programs linked to local Department of Juvenile Services offices. The group also operates distribution efforts during crises in cooperation with organizations like AmeriCorps, Red Cross, and city emergency response teams. Professional development and training for educators tie into curriculum frameworks used by networks such as Early Childhood Education Professional Development hubs, and program evaluation draws on methodologies from Child Trends and National Institute for Early Education Research.

Publications and Resources

First Book produces resource guides, curated book lists, and research summaries intended for practitioners and funders, distributing materials alongside reports from think tanks and research centers such as RAND Corporation, Brookings Institution, and Harvard Graduate School of Education. The organization’s catalogs and digital platforms promote titles from prominent authors and illustrators published by houses like Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, and Bloomsbury Publishing. Supplementary resources include curriculum-aligned reading bundles referencing standards from organizations such as Common Core State Standards Initiative and assessment tools that reflect frameworks used by National Assessment of Educational Progress. In addition to print distributions, First Book has offered e-book licenses, audio resources, and multilingual materials reflecting populations served by programs coordinated with agencies like Office of Refugee Resettlement and bilingual education networks found in districts such as Los Angeles Unified School District and Chicago Public Schools.

Partnerships and Funding

The organization maintains partnerships across philanthropic, corporate, and public sectors, engaging with funders and corporate supporters including Target Corporation, Walmart Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, Google.org, and major foundations like Carnegie Corporation of New York. Collaborations with publishers—Macmillan Publishers, Hachette Livre, Scholastic Corporation—enable bulk procurement and special editions. Strategic alliances with nonprofit intermediaries such as United Way Worldwide, Feeding America, and Save the Children extend community reach, while formal collaborations with municipal agencies and state education departments facilitate program rollouts in jurisdictions including California Department of Education and New York State Education Department. The organization also leverages impact investments and grants from donor-advised funds managed by institutions like Fidelity Charitable and Vanguard Charitable.

Impact and Recognition

Evaluations by independent researchers and partner organizations report distributions of millions of books to classrooms, libraries, and community programs, with impact assessments referenced alongside work by National Literacy Trust, UNESCO, and Education Trust. Recognition for the organization’s leaders and initiatives has come from awards and lists issued by entities such as Fast Company, Forbes, and Warren Buffett-affiliated philanthropy events. High-profile endorsements and collaborative projects have included public figures and institutions that range from municipal leaders in cities like Chicago and New York City to national campaigns with organizations such as First Lady of the United States initiatives on literacy. The organization’s reach and model have influenced policy dialogues in forums convened by White House education task forces, international summits involving UNESCO, and philanthropic networks that include Council on Foundations and Independent Sector.

Category:Non-profit organizations focused on literacy