Become a First Book Member

First Book is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting educators and elevating opportunities for children in need. Over the past 30 years, First Book has distributed more than 225 million books and resources to our growing Network of over 575,000 educators and program leaders working in underserved communities.

First Book supports all types of educators and practitioners (formal and informal). If you work in a Title I-eligible school, early childhood program (including Head Start), afterschool program, shelter, clinic, church, or any other organization where at least 70 percent of kids served come from low-income families, you are eligible to become a First Book member. Sign up is FREE and takes about 5 minutes!

Once you're a member, you'll have instant access to an incredible selection of relevant, brand-new books and educational resources available at the lowest price possible (and sometimes for free) through the First Book Marketplace—our award-winning eCommerce site. Throughout the First Book Marketplace, you’ll find a robust, constantly updated assortment of titles for ages 0-18, including recently published and popular books. You’ll also find great deals on school supplies, educational activities, digital learning resources, and much more. Every time you place an order with First Book, you're also supporting our mission and helping First Book reach others who are making a difference in their communities every day.

Access to special funding opportunities to receive FREE books!

First Book works with dozens of corporate and nonprofit partners and a network of generous donors to provide opportunities for our members to receive books and resources at no cost. Once you're signed up, keep an eye out for our emails containing promo codes, grant opportunities, or special event announcements courtesy of our generous partners and donors.

Tools to promote diversity & inclusion.

Representation in books matters. First Book has a consistent and intentional commitment to providing access to affordable books and resources that promote diversity, boost empathy, and create inclusive environments in schools and programs. Explore our Stories for All Project™ page to learn more!

Access to the Book Bank.

Through our one-of-a-kind Book Bank, members can order brand new books and resources in bulk for just the cost of shipping and handling! Books and educational resources offered in the Book Bank are donated by our generous publisher and vendor partners.

FREE educational resources.

Our members drive everything that we do, and that's why we create free resources available through the First Book Accelerator™. Every now and then we ask our members to share their unique needs and concerns in surveys or focus groups, and this feedback drives the development of expert-informed free resources for educators on relevant topics like race and social justice and social and emotional learning (SEL).

Add your voice to the movement!

When you become a First Book member, you're adding your voice to our diverse community of over 575,000 educators and program leaders working across the country, united by a common mission. As our Network grows, so does our collective power to create systemic change and break down barriers for equitable education for all kids. Use this downloadable flyer to help spread the word about First Book to other educators in your school or community!

First Book Eligibility Information

First Book supports all types of educators and practitioners, formal and informal, working in underserved communities in a variety of settings, including:

As long as at least 70 percent of the children/teens you serve come from low-income families, you are eligible to become a First Book Member. You are required to sign up and provide some information about the community you serve before you can order from the First Book Marketplace and access other member benefits.

The reason why we are able to offer the lowest price possible on books and resources throughout the First Book Marketplace is because we aggregate the purchasing power of our unique Network of educators and professionals serving kids in need. First Book has special agreements in place with major publishers and vendors to allow our members to access exclusive pricing. The information you provide when you become a First Book member helps us honor our commitments to our partners by ensuring that books and resources from First Book are reaching kids and teens in underserved communities. 

Not sure if you're eligible? Visit our Eligibility FAQs page.

Have a Question or Need Help?

If you have any questions about your eligibility for First Book, the benefits of membership, or how to become a member, please feel welcome to contact our friendly Member Services team at 1-866-READ-NOW or help@firstbook.org. We are available to assist you Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm ET (excluding major holidays).