first Library®
we don't just give, we engage!
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Free Books for Newborn Children
Free Books for Newborn Children
Giving the love of reading, one book at a time.
First Library®
Make your home your child’s first library®.
First Library®
Make your home your child’s first library®.
First Library® is an early childhood literacy 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes reading, book ownership and library patronage by providing free books to newborn to age five children.
The First Library® program, the first and largest affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in New Jersey, gives newborn children, regardless of the family’s income, up to 60 free, brand new, age-appropriate books, until the age of 5, at no cost to their families.
Parents are asked to read to their child daily and are required to visit their local library monthly*
Our vision, at First Library, is to not only give every newborn child a foundation for a lifetime love of reading, book ownership and library patronage, but to actively engage their parents in the process.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, DOLLYWOOD FOUNDATION AND PARENTS AS TEACHERS STUDY VALIDATES FIRST LIBRARY’S MISSION AND PROGRAM
Participating Communities
*Yearly parent pledge is required for participation in the First Library program.
Parents are also asked to complete quarterly reading surveys and biannual questionnaires.
See Parent Pledges page for complete details.
Creating a steady stream of new, age-appropriate books has been shown to nearly triple interest in reading within months.+
Creating a steady stream of new, age-appropriate books has been shown to nearly triple interest in reading within months.+
First Library® Donations
First Library® Donations
First Library, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is funded through personal donations and corporate sponsorship.
Your financial contribution, large or small, will make a meaningful difference to the children we serve.
First Library is 100% privately funded and your contribution to First Library is fully tax-deductible as allowable by law.
We also welcome any interested parties to contact us so that we may work together to bring the First Library program to every first born child in New Jersey. As partners, we can help prepare every first born New Jersey child and beyond for a lifetime of reading success.
TURN OFF TECH FOR TWO HOURS ON TUESDAYS AND TURN ON READING & MORE!
TURN OFF TECH FOR TWO HOURS ON TUESDAYS AND TURN ON READING & MORE!
Young children spend over 2 hours a day on mobile screens (tablets, cell phones, etc.).
Yet 1 in 4 children grow up without learning how to read.
Plus, 61% percent of children from low income neighborhoods have no age-appropriate books in their homes. And children from middle class homes only have 13 books.
Pledge to turn off tech for two hours on Tuesdays (and more) and help give books to a local preschoolers, many in need.
CREATE A FUNDRAISING PAGE
CREATE A FUNDRAISING PAGE
First Library has partnered with Give Lively (givelively.org) to help supporters fundraise for their community.
Text your zip code to First Library @ 973-610-2490 and create a fundraising page for your town.*
Personalize it and share it on social media, over email or text.
All funds raised stay in your town and benefit local preschool children with the gift of free books monthly.
*Please allow up to five minutes for zip code addition.
WORK TO BRING THE DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY / FIRST LIBRARY PROGRAM TO YOUR COMMUNITY!
WORK TO BRING THE DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY / FIRST LIBRARY PROGRAM TO YOUR COMMUNITY!
TOT4TOT is looking for active, outgoing, community minded representatives to join our mission of turning off technology for two hours a day and turning on reading and other good habits for children.
Work to bring the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library / First Library Program to your community.
Local towns / territories available throughout New Jersey and beyond.
HELP TURN OFF TECH AND SPREAD THE LOVE OF READING TO CHILDREN IN YOUR COMMUNITY & GET PAID FOR IT!
2018 Best Social Assistance Program - Chatham
2018 Best Social Assistance Program - Chatham
Rotary Club Selects First Library for its ‘2019 Beds for a Cause’ Service Project
Rotary Club Selects First Library for its ‘2019 Beds for a Cause’ Service Project
I like the idea that you are helping first time mothers and their babies while educating them about the importance of reading to them early and consistently. Also, it is a great idea that you are promoting healthy and responsible parenting.
E. A. M.
The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. ++
The single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. ++
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
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"I thought if one book 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
Catherine Tinger Goldberg
Founder
READyay
READyay
Shop new and like new clothes and help kids get READy for a lifetime of learning @ readyay.com
READyay (pronounce red-ay) is a unique online consignment service that raises money for schools through the sale of gently used better and designer women and children’s clothing donated by parents on behalf of their school.
Schools receive 40% of the proceeds plus READyay donates 5% of every sale to First Library.
Please visit readyay.com and help support First Library.