First Book

organization

Washington, DC.

Description

This nonprofit organization works to ensure educational equity for children living in under-resourced areas by providing free books and reading materials to qualified organizations.

Faith-based organizations or any other organization where at least 70 percent of kids served come from low-income families are eligible to become First Book members and can access free or discounted bulk reading materials (for just the price of shipping,) school supplies, hands-on learning activities, and digital learning tools.

Features

Access to the First Book Marketplace
Special funding for FREE books.
Tools to promote diversity & inclusion
Book Bank

Recommended Audience

Congregations and organizations serving low-income families.

Cost

Varies per service

Practical Applications

Share these resources with educators in your congregation or community to inform them of how to receive books for the price of shipping.
Join a national network with a joint mission to create systemic change and break down barriers for equitable education for all kids.

Updated: March 22, 2025

About the Contributor

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez

Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez serves in the Center’s Northwest office in Crown Point as the Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting, working to advance the Center’s mission to strengthen Indiana congregations by providing resources to the communities that make up the diverse tapestry of the Northwest region.

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Miriam immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up on the East Side of Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Illinois College, graduating with a double major in Communications & Rhetorical Studies and International Studies with a concentration in gender and immigration equity.

Before joining the Center, Miriam served as the Director of Communications at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. In her tenure with the Parliament, Miriam worked closely with faith, community, and nonprofit leaders on outreach, engagement, and interfaith community-building efforts. She is an enthusiastic advocate for youth, Indigenous, and women’s voices in faith and civic spaces.

Miriam is a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, where she and her family attend weekly Spanish service.

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