America Reads * America Counts

First Book

First Book is an SGA-recognized volunteer-based student organization based out of the America Reads * America Counts Office. First Book at Maryland is a local chapter of a national non-profit organization. First Book is dedicated to fighting illiteracy and aims to help low-income children, one of the groups most at-risk for illiteracy. First Book provides children with the opportunity to read and own their first book. The program works with local literacy-programs to distribute books to children who otherwise have little access to reading materials. First Book wants to help children build their own libraries at home. By working with existing programs, First Book ensures that locations supportive and focused on learning receive donations.

Established in 2004, the First Book program in College Park, Md., has brought books to 585 children. Through grants from the University of Maryland, College Park Local Advisory Board, First Book works with three nearby organizations: Little Lights, D.C.; Martha's Table, D.C.; and Community of Hope, D.C.

Students involved in first book coordinate fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for books, and work with local agencies to get those books to young children. If you want to get involved with First Book, please email us.

THE STATS

Early childhood classrooms should include 300 age-appropriate books, according to the American Library Association.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics.

• 80 percent of low-income childcare centers do not have any age-appropriate books for children.
• Approximately 60 percent of low-income families do not have any appropriate books for children in the home.
• The number of books in a home directly correlates with a child's reading level.

First Book has distributed over 30 million books in more than 900 communities across the country to children in need.

National Book Bank

First Book established the first national online donation and distribution system. The First Book National Book Bank enables publishers to donate large quantities of new books, which First Book distributes nationwide to literacy programs. Through this method, the National Book Bank puts new books directly into the hands of children in need.

If you work with a program that serves youth in your community and are interested in applying for a First Book Grant, please contact us for more information.