Advisory Board Home  |   |   

Philadelphia

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.

In  2012 alone, First Book-Philadelphia provided 29,641 books to children in low-income pre-schools, charter schools, after-school programs, and community initiatives.

The children 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, after-school and family care programs administered by neighborhood associations, schools, churches, and hospitals. 

First Book-Philadelphia is comprised of volunteers across the business, media, nonprofit, and education communities. Our Advisory Board members and volunteers have grown up, gone to school, raised children, and grown roots in the Philadelphia area, thus having a vested interest in the education and literacy development of ALL children. 

If you would like to learn more about First Book-Philadelphia please visit us at http://www.firstbookphilly.org and "Like" us on Facebook

Speed Read 2013

First Book-Philadelphia's annual fundraising event will be held on Thursday, November 7 at the Union League in Philadelphia.

Speed Read is an opportunity for community members to network with one another, support literacy, and to have a good time. Local and national celebrities compete as teams to “speed read” Dr. Seuss books all with the desire to raise money for the children of First Book-Philadelphia.

If your business is interested in becoming a Speed Read sponsor, please contact us for more information.

Please view our video from 2012 Speed Read. 

Book Grant Recipients

First Book-Philadelphia has given book grants to many programs in Greater Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley.  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.