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What We Do

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Free Children’s Books

We mail age-appropriate books to families each month to build early literacy habits from birth.

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Essential Diapers

Families receive diapers delivered directly to their homes—reducing stress and supporting healthy development.

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Literacy & Family Support

We connect families to reading routines, library engagement, and educational encouragement.

Who We Serve

Who We Support:

 

  • First-time mothers

  • Single-parent households

  • Families with infants and toddlers

  • Families facing financial hardship

 

 

How It Works:

 

  1. Apply online

  2. Get approved

  3. Submit library visit screenshots

  4. Receive monthly mailings of books & diapers

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FIRST LIBRARY GOES VIRTUAL!
Mother meetings and The First Library / BUMS & BOOKS Shop are now online.

 
Fill your child's life books from your local library and basics for their bum!
Daily Reading, Weekly Diaper Delivery and Monthly Library Visits for 
New Single First Time Mothers In Need.

MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR CHILD'S FIRST LIBRARY®.

First Library®  / Bums and Books is an early childhood literacy 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes daily reading and monthly library patronage for expectant and new single first time mothers in need (open to newborn to age one children) by offering free diapers, books, and educational support until their child’s third birthday.*

 

Mothers are asked to read to their child daily and are required to visit their local library monthly and perform various free reading related activities to participate in our three year program.

 

The first three years of a child’s life offer parents an amazing opportunity to shape their child’s growth and form healthy habits. 

 

First Library's / Bums and Books mission is to promote early childhood literacy for preschool children through daily reading, monthly library patronage and educational support plus we help children develop other healthy habits.  

 

Our vision, at First Library / Bums and Books, is to not only give every newborn child a foundation for a lifetime love of reading and library patronage, but to actively engage their parents in the process.

"I thought if reading could bring so much happiness, joy and comfort to just one child, how much could it bring to multiple children?

It was then that I decided to create First Library®."

Catherine Tinger Goldberg 
Founder 
First Library was the first and one-time largest affiliate of the "Book Lady"' Free Book Gifting program in New Jersey for over ten years and served sixteen counties during its tenure as its affiliate.
First Library previously offered this program as part of its overall program and is now independent of it.
*Some exclusions apply. Not available in all areas. Please email info@firstlibrary.org to be placed on our waitlist of new coverage areas.

PRESS

2018 Best Social Assistance Program - Chatham

2022 Guid​eStar Bronze Seal of Transparency

2019 My Life Publications - First Library in 7 of its 16 NJ Issues.
 

 

2022 Guid​eStar Bronze Seal of Transparency

PROGRAM

 

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First Library® is a 501(c)(3) charity. 

46-2001321

All rights reserved.

First Library is a registered trademark symbol of First Library, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation 

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