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Hood River County

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-Hood River County was established in September 1999 and brings the magic of books to over 350 children annually. Literacy programs receive approximately 2000 books each year through grants from the local Hood River Advisory Board.

Book Grant Recipients

First Book-Hood River County has given book grants to many programs in Hood River County. 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.

The following are some of the organizations that have received book grants from First Book-Hood River County.

• Hood River Valley High School Center for Alternative Learning
• Mid Valley Elementary School Summer Reading Buddies
• Pine Grove Elementary School
• New Parents Services
• May Street Elementary School ELL/Migrant Program
• Parkdale Elementary School
• Hood River Valley High School 3-2-1 Program
• Hood River Valley High School Teen Parent Childcare
• The Next Door/Klahre House

Find out how to Receive Books for your organization.

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 like:

• Borders Bookstore
• Hood River Lions Club Foundation Trust
• United Way of the Columbia Gorge
• Wal-Mart
• Helen Mason
• Bob Grant
• Don Shalhope
• Elaine Johnson
• Patricia Langmaid
• Delta Kappa 3516
• Marilyn Avolio
• Sun Trust Mortgage
• Hood River Garbage Service

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.