- What is First Book?
- When was First Book founded?
- When and how did First Book Canada come about?
- How many books has First Book distributed?
- How can I receive books through First Book Canada?
- How can I get involved with First Book Canada?
- How is First Book funded?
- How is First Book Canada funded and operated?
- How can I make a monetary donation to First Book Canada?
- Can I donate books to First Book Canada?
What is First Book?
First Book provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. An innovative leader in social enterprise, First Book has distributed more than 85 million free and low cost books in thousands of communities. First Book now has offices in the U.S. and Canada. For more information about the nonprofit First Book please visit www.firstbook.org or call 866-393-1222.
When was First Book founded?
First Book was founded in 1992, when current President, Kyle Zimmer, and two friends joined together to create an organization to deliver books to children in need. In that first year, First Book distributed 12,000 books in three communities. Now in its 18th year, First Book delivered 8M books in 2008 and has provided more than 65M to date.
When and how did First Book Canada come about?
The first steps for First Book/Le Premier Livre came in 2006 when First Book President, Kyle Zimmer, and members of First Book's senior team traveled to Toronto and met with leaders from private, government, and social sectors to discuss First Book/Le Premier Livre. The team met with many of the major Canadian children's publishers as well as Canadian affiliates of our US publishing partners. The Honourable James K. Bartleman, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; John O'Leary, President of Frontier College; and Tim Pinnington, EVP TD Bank Financial Group and First Book Board member, hosted receptions which offered the opportunity to meet with key leaders and stakeholders from foundations, library organizations, and education/outreach programs serving children from low-income families across Canada.
In May of 2008, First Book/Le Premier Livre launched with a private reading party and reception held at the Toronto Reference Library where special guests including former Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO, Paul Godfrey; Jays infielder John McDonald and Toronto Blue Jays mascot, ACE; Tim Pinnington; beloved Canadian author Jean Little and representatives from Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation and BeautiControl joined First Book President Kyle Zimmer to announce the opening of First Book/Le Premier Livre and read to Toronto school children. We are grateful to our friends at TD Bank Financial Group, the Toronto Blue Jays, and so many more for their active support helping us offer life changing access to book ownership."
"First Book’s resolute mission to reach children, wherever they are, with brand new books they can read and keep now has a new name up north, and that name is First Book Canada. We are overjoyed to bring books to Canadian children and to open our newest office here in Toronto,"
said Kyle Zimmer, First Book President.
How many books has First Book distributed?
First Book has provided more than 85 million brand new books to children in need in hundreds of communities in the United States and has begun delivering thousands of books to children in Canada.
How can I receive books through First Book Canada?
Please refer to our Register with First Book page.
How can I get involved with First Book Canada?
At the local level, activities are managed by First Book Ambassadors. Ambassadors are an extensive network of volunteer community leaders serving First Book, dedicated to registering groups, fundraising, providing book grants to local programs, and raising awareness of literacy issues within communities, college campuses and universities.
First Book currently needs volunteers to help with book distributions and special events across Canada. Please click here for more information on getting involved.
How is First Book funded?
First Book works closely with its network of corporate partners to develop new and innovative ways to use private sector strategies for the public good. First Book receives more than 80% of its funding from cause-based marketing campaigns developed in partnership with some of America's leading corporations and organizations. Our award-winning cause-related marketing campaigns are as diverse as our partners and are recognized as the best in the business. Combining the power of First Book's print, online, and retail partnerships with the ability to host localized events in more than 250 markets, First Book implements multi-dimensional campaigns that drive traffic, increase sales, and build brand awareness for First Book's partners while raising money to fund new books for children from low-income families. By leveraging the effectiveness of its proven model, First Book builds and supports its Advisory Board network, and raises money to provide millions of new books each year.
How is First Book Canada funded and operated?
As a registered charity, First Book Canada depends on the finanical support and involvement of individuals, foundation and corporations. All funds raised directly support prorams serving Canadian children from low income families.
How can I make a monetary donation to First Book Canada?
To donate to First Book Canada, please send a cheque of any amount payable to First Book Canada to:
First Book Canada
1200 Aerowood Drive, Unit 36
Mississauga, ON L4W 2S7
Canada
Click this link to donate online: www.firstbookcanada.org/donate.
All funds raised in Canada will support First Book Canada's efforts in Canada.
If you would like to donate Wording? stocks or bonds, please contact us.
Can I donate books to First Book Canada?
First Book accepts large-scale donations of new books directly from publishers. If you’re interested in becoming a publishing partner, contact Director of Operations Wayne Cochrane at 866-393-1222 ext. 0102.
First Book does not accept donations of used or new books from individuals or community groups.