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Portage 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, founded in 1992, is an international nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books.

First Book- Portage County began distributing books to programs serving low-income children in 2005. During this first year, First Book- Portage County awarded grants in excess of $7,000.00 and almost 3,000 books to children participating in local programs. Through our continuing fundraising efforts, we have been able to distribute books to 1561children in 20 community programs since we began our efforts. Our goal is to continue to distribute 12 books a year to children from low-income families and to increase the number of children we reach in Portage County.

The First Book Advisory Board is comprised of individuals from the community representing local organizations and businesses.

Book Grant Recipients

First Book-Portage County has given book grants to many programs in Portage County, Ohio.  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.