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North Alabama

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.

Formed April 27, 2010, First Book-North Alabama is committed to making a difference in the lives of children right here in the Tennessee Valley. First Book provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy - access to books. As many as 60% of low-income families have no books at all at home for their children. In Madison County alone, there are more than 12,000 children living below the poverty level (2008 Kids Count Data Book). By providing new books to the children who need them most, we will strengthen literacy in all of North Alabama.

With your help First Book-North Alabama can give new books to children in need. Books of their very own to take home and keep; books that can nurture a life-long love of reading. We are a volunteer organization - meaning there are no salaries and no overhead for the group, so every dollar contributed in a restricted gift can go directly to the purchase of books.

Give a book - make a difference. Make an online donation.

First Book-North Alabama is made up of volunteers from throughout the community. We are always looking for passionate volunteers who want to make a difference in children's lives. If you are interested in volunteering with First Book-North Alabama, email us at northalabama@firstbook.org.

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-North Alabama 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 like:

• Cumulus Huntsville
• 104.3 WZYP
• 94.1 WHRP
• 92.5 WVNN
• 93.3 the Wolf Country
• Sportsradio 730 The UMP ESPN Radio

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.