American Idol Fantasia Barrino steps forward in the spotlight not only as a singing sensation but also as an individual who supports the importance of literacy. The movie The Fantasia Barrino Story - Life is Not a Fairytale is a testimony of her struggle to become literate. Fantasia’s instant stardom brought happiness and sadness all […]

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma struck the Gulf Coast. I’m sure that in the next couple of weeks all of the news programs will begin their coverage of the anniversary of the storms and show what progress has (or hasn’t) been made in […]

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Pat P. poses with two members of the First Book-Charles County Local Advisory Board.

First Book-Charles County, a First Book Local Advisory Board in Charles County, Maryland, hosted their 4th Annual Golf for Literacy Tournament on Monday, August 7th, at the Potomac Ridge Golf Club. More than 20 foursomes stepped into their golf carts around 11:30 […]

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As First Book has grown over the past years, we have been fortunate to have earned the support of many wonderful celebrities who value the importance of books in a child’s life.
The amazing stage and film star Joan Allen has participated in more First Book events than we can count! She also serves […]

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This story was sent to us from the new First Book Advisory Board in Manatee County, Florida. After only being an official Advisory Board for a few days, they learned the Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show was coming through town and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. Deb M., Advisory Board chair, […]

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Reaching out to media to introduce your board to the community!
This is the second in a series of blogs posts about “Successful Strategies” for First Book Advisory Boards.
Heather V., the chair of First Book-Kenosha/Racine, WI, wanted to increase awareness in the community of her newly formed campus advisory board as well as gain the interest […]

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We’re all working on a fun project around the office right now — assigned reading from a list of fantastic kids books. It’s amazing the kind of variety available in the children’s market right now, more so than when I was a kid I think. This project made me think of a question posed by […]

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Thinking about (or dreading) doing your back-to-school shopping? First Book can help!
First Book is teaming up with Borders to celebrate National Benefit Days on August 26 and 27. Together, we are offering a coupon for a 10% discount on your Borders purchases, which will also provide a benefit to First Book: Borders will […]

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Today, as I was coming back into my air-conditioned office after lunch I couldn’t help but think of the library…
Growing up in Ohio my parents didn’t believe that the few weeks of 90+ degree weather each summer warranted the expense of air-conditioning. So when the temperature started to get unbearable, I would ride my […]

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We are so pleased that nine bloggers raising money for First Book completed the Blogathon, raising a total of $2251.55! This will buy more than 900 new books for children in need.
Escribition - 19 pledges totalling $559.40
Floatin’ Through The Aether - 5 pledges totalling $369.00
Get Rich Slowly - 37 pledges totalling $964.00
Plaid Toaster - 14 […]

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