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Florida State University

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, each year First Book distributes millions of free and low-cost books to disadvantaged children and the programs that serve them.

First Book-Florida State University was officially formed in January of 2008. We work to provide books to children from low-income families in the Tallahassee and Leon County area. So far we have donated over 3,000 new books to children from various organizations across our county. We are in the process of building up our program and would appreciate any help given. We currently have an Executive Board position open for Fundraising Chair. Hopefully, we can guarantee that every child in our reach can fully participate in the magic of reading their very own First Book.

How to Receive Books

There are three ways in which First Book distributes books: through a network of volunteer Advisory Boards located across the country, through the First Book National Book Bank, and through the First Book Marketplace.

First Book-Florida State University provides new books to children through eligible community organizations like preschools, day care, after-school, and tutoring/mentoring programs. We accept book grant applications from local literacy programs that serve 70% or more children from low-income households. The children take home and keep the books that they receive.

First Book provides new books to children through eligible community organizations in the United States that serve children from low-income households. First Book does not provide direct financial support, nor does it provide books to individuals or to book drives. Most of the groups First Book serves are preschools, day care, after-school, and tutoring/mentoring programs.  

If you would like to learn more, please see Register with First Book.

For information on how to apply for a grant from our board, download the Grant Guidelines and Application (doc).

Book Grant Recipients

A typical book grant lasts for a six month period and offers each child in the program a steady diet of books (usually one book per month), all at no cost to the program. Because program administrators select the titles from the First Book Marketplace, our book grants enable programs — often for the first time — to select books to integrate into curriculum.

Local Sponsors and Donors

We are able to provide brand-new, high-quality books to children in our community thanks to the generous financial contributions of local businesses and individuals.  First Book-Florida State University thanks the following organizations for their support:

• SunTrust Mortgage & Associates
• Cheerios Spoonful of Stories
• Bill Moeller

First Book Wants You!  

We are looking for passionate, entrepreneurial people who want to make a difference in their community. Help us get books to kids who need them most. 

Contact Us

You can contact us by sending an email.