Posts by Matthew W.

First Book Podcast: Heather Henson author of “That Book Woman”

Dec09
2008 Written by Matthew W.

First Book recently had the pleasure of speaking with That Book Woman author, Heather Henson.

Together with First Book partner Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, That Book Woman is being simultaneously released in hardcover to the general public and in a special soft cover format exclusively through the First Book Marketplace.

Click below to hear our conversation with author Heather Henson as we ask her about the historical significance of the Pack Horse Librarians, and the books that she would want brought to her by “that Book Woman.” She even has a special message for her young fans who may be listening to the podcast in the classroom after receiving the book from the First Book Marketplace.

This rare and moving tale honors not only a special part of American history, but present day American heroes like you that know how life-alerting a brand new book can be in the life of a child. We fell in love with Heather’s story and think you will too!

Posted in Books & Reading, Podcast - Tagged

Community Spotlight: BOOKS-A-Go Go of Jacksonville, FL

Dec03
2008 Written by Matthew W.

Wondering where all the books go? Periodically we profile one of the many community programs that receive books from First Book for the children they serve. Special thanks to Betty Metz of BOOKS-A-Go Go for her help on this profile.

This month’s recipient group: BOOKS-A-Go Go collects new and used children’s books through service projects and book donation bins in public libraries. The organization distributes these books through organizations and schools that serve at-risk children. It all began as a community book drive in Jacksonville, Florida in March 2006.  The books continued to pour in. In September 2007, BOOKS-A-Go Go became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Each March BOOKS-A-Go Go run a national campaign to collect used children’s books and give them to children located in the same community where they were donated. BOOKS-A-Go Go recently welcomed actor and children’s book author Henry Winkler (The Fonz from Happy Days) to their advisory board. READ MORE »

Posted in Book Recipients

Community Spotlight: Baby Peaches of Atlanta, GA

Sep04
2008 Written by Matthew W.

Wondering where all the books go? Periodically we profile one of the many community programs that receive books from First Book for the children they serve.

Recipient Group name and location: Baby Peaches was formed in December 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mission Statement: Baby Peaches Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing assistance to needy mothers. Being a parent is the single most important contribution one can make to the world.  Through education, community, and compassion, Baby Peaches, Inc. embraces new parents and new life.

What are the age ranges of the children you serve? We begin serving newborns on day one of life!

How do you use the books that you receive from First Book? We provide Peach Bags to needy families through social workers in area hospitals that have important items like parenting books and DVDs, handouts, baby care items, safety latches, plug covers, First Book board books, rattles, and much more. The bags are delivered to three different hospitals in the Atlanta metro area and given to social workers who determine which moms need the support.

READ MORE »

Posted in Book Recipients

First Book in Hollywood

Jun10
2008 Written by Matthew W.
Other than the perfect weather, I was reminded recently why I love Southern California on a First Book trip to Los Angeles — the people. Namely, the dozens of dedicated individuals serving children from low-income families that attended our Meet and Greet in Hollywood on June 2nd. My colleagues Wendy, Chandler and I stayed in Los Angeles after Book Expo America to coordinate a post-BEA donation of over 24 pallets of new books to the United Way Inland Empire, and for a Meet and Greet reception for those interested in learning more about First Book at the offices of LA nonprofit Big Sunday.

With over 80 guests, we had to cancel our PowerPoint presentation because we couldn’t fit everyone inside! With a perfect southern California pre-dusk breeze blowing through the air, the energy on Big Sunday’s patio was palpable as we spoke from the heart about ways our guests can access First Book’s resources for new books. We left California the next day re-energized, thanks to our fantastic LA network of heroes. READ MORE »

Posted in First Book Events

Community Spotlight: Book Buddies of Long Beach, CA

Mar10
2008 Written by Matthew W.

Recipient Group name & location: Book Buddies, literacy program of the Molina Foundation. Based in Long Beach, CA, Book Buddies has provided books to children in California since November 2002. In 2007 Book Buddies expanded its program to seven additional states: Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Washington and Nevada.

Children Served Annually: We typically distribute 10,000 – 15,000 books a month and 100,000 books annually.

How do you use First Book books? We visit hospitals, shelters, schools, Head Start programs and community based organizations to promote literacy. First Book books are always the highlight of the visit – a brand new book that the child gets to keep for their very own. Usually we will read stories to the kids and talk about the importance of reading.

READ MORE »

Posted in Book Recipients, Books & Reading

Community Spotlight: United Way Success By 6, Athens, GA

Oct15
2007 Written by Matthew W.

Wondering where all the books go? Periodically we profile one of the many community programs that receive books from First Book for the children they serve on the First Book blog.

First Book Recipient Group: United Way Success By 6, Athens, GA

Ages of the children you serve: Birth to age 6

How long has your program been a First Book recipient group? We received our first grant of books in April 2006. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality and quantity of the books! Later that fall, we were informed of our selection for the Cheerios’ Spoonful of Stories and First Book partnership.

How do you use First Book books? We distribute the books to parents who work in low-paying businesses (such as poultry plants). We are able to provide the books at the work-site during their breaks and lunch while also giving them information about the importance of reading to their young children. We also distribute the books to low-income children in our local Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and children in local homeless shelters.

How have the children in your program reacted to receiving the books? Isn’t it interesting that in this day of computers, TVs, and gaming systems, a simple book will always produce shining, excited eyes? The magic of a good book still captures the hearts and imaginations of little ones! Just one look at the picture of Rosie T., who isn’t even one year old yet, tells it all – our children love the books and First Book!

Thanks to Patty Wagner of Success By 6 for her help with the post and to Rosie and her Mom!

Posted in Book Recipients

First Book Recipient Group:Bess the Book Bus

Feb06
2007 Written by Matthew W.

Wondering where all the books go? Periodically we will profile one of the many organizations that receive books from First Book. We work with community programs that serve children from low-income families.

A woman holds books in front of a van.Group Name: Bess the Book Bus, Inc.

Location: Tampa, Florida

Children Served Annually: 2,000

Description: Bess the Book Bus is focused on spreading enthusiasm for reading within our community, schools and families. We provide the priceless joy of reading free to clients who are unable to purchase books due to both financial need and mobility constrictions. We currently serve twenty-five Head Start Programs, Metropolitan Ministries, The Spring, and several after-school and summer programs. This year’s literacy outreach will deliver thirty-eight thousand books into the homes of those who otherwise may not have the opportunity to own books.

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Posted in Book Recipients

Shopping at Borders

Feb01
2007 Written by Matthew W.

As our faithful readers know, over the last 15 months Borders and its customers raised more than $1.6 million for First Book. All of the funds have gone directly to put new books into children’s hands, especially through the assistance of First Book Advisory Boards, First Book Recipient Groups and Borders stores across the country.

Our huge, heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who helped — we couldn’t have done this without you. Keep reading for a first-hand account of our collaboration in action.

READ MORE »

Posted in Book Recipients, Books & Reading, Marketplace

First Book Appreciated in Louisiana

Jan23
2007 Written by Matthew W.

We recently received this email from a Recipient Group in Louisiana:

Hello Friends at First Book,

I just wanted to let you know how important First Book has been to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

I was the Assistant Director in Plaquemines Parish La. where the eye of Katrina crossed over first. We lost our home and all our belongings. I have relocated to Rapides Parish
(Alexandria) La. where I was blessed to find a great job here at the library.

Rapides has received and distributed hundreds of First Books to evacuees and I have sent them back with my grandchildren when they returned to St. Bernard, La. (another area hit hard by Katrina). For a while after Katrina, these were the only books they had, having lost theirs in the storm.

I thought that you should know that the books are getting in to the hands of those who need them and that they are appreciated.

Sincerely,
Tammy DiBartolo
Youth Services Manager
Rapides Parish Library

Posted in Book Recipients, Book Relief

Happy Book Recipients in South Carolina

Dec29
2006 Written by Matthew W.

The First Book National Book Bank recently received this email from one of our recipient groups:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You provided 4,552 books for the children of Greenwood, Abbeville and McCormick Counties in South Carolina and the children, parents, and teachers loved them! As you might be aware, South Carolina ranks 48 in the nation in education, and our three counties does not fare well in the literacy department. These books provided us the opportunity to further express the importance of reading to our children. Please do not forget our need for books in the future. Thanks again!

Michasel Gaskin
First Steps SC

Posted in Book Recipients
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