Thursday, February 23, 2012
   
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What is the First Book National Book Bank?

The First Book National Book Bank (FBNBB) is First Book's clearinghouse for books donated by First Book’s publishing partners. These books are free to programs able to pick them up at a distribution site. If a program cannot drive to a given distribution site, the books are still free – the school or program will simply need to pay a $0.35 shipping and handling charge per book.  The FBNBB distributes millions of books annually, working with warehousing partners and with support from volunteer networks.

Applications are at http://www.firstbook.org/rg. During the application process, you will give each book a 'yes' or 'no' vote. A yes means you want the book; a no means you do not. If a book is out of the age range of the kids you serve or if you simply do not want it, we will not send it to you if you gave it a "no". The more books you give a "yes" to, the greater the chances you will be approved. All books are allocated in a first come first serve manner. We encourage you to be online when the application opens (always at 2pm eastern/11am pacific) to increase your chances of being approved to receive books.

First Book Recipient Groups can receive books from one Regular Distribution each calendar year (January through December).  If you've already received books from your once per year distribution, do not ignore application announcements from the Book Bank via email. If the email says the distribution is a SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION, it is open to all programs that are eligible to access the Book Bank.


Based on the data you fill out on your application, we will do our best to allocate between one and three books for each child but please note that they will be the same books so your students can enjoy them together.You will not get a variety of titles. Additionally, books are shipped as full cartons only, rounded up. For example, if you serve 30 children and are approved to receive a title that comes 40 books to a carton, you will receive (and be charged shipping for, if applicable) all 40 books.

As soon as you get the email from the Book Bank, log in and take a look at the title list. We provide the title, age range and ISBN (a unique number that identifies each book, including cover type) so you can look them up on the web. We suggest a trusted resource such as an online bookstore that includes book reviews from parents and experts.

Books can not be returned. If you choose to have them shipped to you, the online application will calculate the maximum cost you could incur. Invoices are always sent in the mail a few weeks after the distribution. They can be paid online using a Visa or MasterCard at http://www.firstbook.org/invoice or you can mail us a check or money order.  For more information about paying your invoice, including an address to remit a check or money order, click here.