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Greater Springfield

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-Greater Springfield has a simple mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. Our local advisory board was established in December of 2008 and we have already provided over 2,500 books to children in our community.

The children we serve come from traditionally underserved areas, where research shows that nearly two thirds of families own no books at all. They are enrolled in a variety of early learning and after-school programs administered by social service agencies, daycares, and schools. We award book grants to these local literacy programs and provide books at no cost to the children or the programs. Most importantly, the children take home and keep the books they receive.

You can help us reach children with books. With a $10 donation, we are able to purchase 5 books for a child in our community. A $50 donation will provide a new book for every child in a classroom.

Are you an organization in need of books for the children you serve? We accept grant applications throughout the year. Our grant application and guidelines are in the How to Receive Books section of this website.

Book Grant Recipients

First Book-Greater Springfield has given book grants to many programs in Greater Springfield area, including all communities in Sangamon County. Read the current list of recipients.

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 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.