First Library is a NJ nonprofit corporation that provides books to first time mothers plus clothing and toys to children of low income first time mothers.
First Library in conjunction with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (imaginationlibrary.com) gives newborn children of first time parents (regardless of gender, race or income) up to 60 FREE, brand new, age-appropriate books, until the age of 5, at no cost or financial obligation to their families. All we ask is that they read to them daily and maintain local library patronage.*
Newborn children of low-income, first time parents can also participate in First Library's First Library Plus program. First Library Plus offers first time mothers in need the monthly First Library book program (or other books) plus new clothing and educational toys during their child's first five years of life, free of charge, through its incentive and reward program. The program promotes early childhood literacy, journaling, library patronage, and healthy and responsible parenting. Points earned through various free reading related activities can be used to shop for free books, toys and clothing at our children's shop.
In keeping with the First Library mission of only giving new books, First Library Plus hopes to instill the same sense of pride and joy, and now dignity, in first time mothers in need, by only offering new clothing and toys they have "earned" for their child. And by soon making the items (and existing program) available online at the First Library Plus Shop, much needed family time and resources can be used else.
First Library , a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, is funded through personal and corporate sponsorship. First Library Plus is supported through the "pay it forward" model. Parents are encouraged to donate their child's unwanted but new clothing or educational toys (non-battery-operated) for the program. Personal and corporate sponsorship is also invited.
We 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 for a lifetime of reading success.
First Library's mission is to promote early childhood literacy and library patronage for children born to first time mothers through educational support and book ownership while also providing clothing and educational toys to first time mothers in need.
