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Source verified May 14, 2026
First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program
Access books and resources for children in need
Latest source updateLast Update: July 9, 2026Latest change: First Book Canada updated its contact and eligibility FAQ pages, with new support links and broader member-access language now visible.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 9, 2026
Latest change: First Book Canada updated its contact and eligibility FAQ pages, with new support links and broader member-access language now visible.
First Book Canada contact and eligibility pages updated
The Contact Us page no longer shows the previous help@firstbook.org, canadaprograms@firstbook.org, or (866) READ-NOW / (866) 732-3669 contact details, and it now points users toward broader donation, partnership, impact, and marketplace entry points. The Eligibility Criteria & FAQs page was reorganized and now shows a new Member Services help section, with new login/join navigation and updated support access instead of the fuller eligibility FAQ content that was shown before. The visible membership message now says that anyone working with kids in need can access low-cost books and funding opportunities on the Marketplace, and all educators can access free resources and events when they join the Community.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Ontario, Canada
Overview
First Book Canada helps eligible members access books and educational resources for children in need, with some items available through the Marketplace and Book Bank. The program supports book distribution, disaster relief, and access to new donated books, with free books available for some pop-up events and costs limited to shipping and processing in some cases.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia, Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Receiving books and educational resources for children served
- Attending pop-up book distribution events
- Ordering donated books and resources through the Marketplace
- Accessing books and resources for disaster relief needs
Documents Needed
- Completed online registration form
- Brief letter for tax-exempt organizations or schools, if applicable
- Proof of organization details and mailing address in the letter
- Signature and official letterhead, if available
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Educators and staff in schools serving low-income families
- Nonprofit and community organization staff or volunteers serving children in need
- Library staff and volunteers serving low-income families
- Some for-profit daycare and afterschool program staff
Who is not eligible
- Parents and the general public
- Homeschools located in Canada
- Organizations based in the United States for First Book Canada Marketplace access
Eligible expenses
- Books and educational resources
- Shipping and processing for donated Book Bank items
- Items selected through the Marketplace for children served
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- United States users must use the separate First Book US website
How to apply
- Step 1: Create an account
- Complete the First Book Canada member registration form online.
- Provide your name, email address, and password to set up the account.
- Step 2: Submit registration details
- Continue the registration process through the online form.
- Review the information before submitting it for membership review.
- Step 3: Access the Marketplace
- Log in with your approved account to start shopping.
Processing and Agreement
- Eligibility and registration information are reviewed after submission
- Tax-exempt requests are reviewed before account activation
- Approved accounts are activated before Marketplace access
- Membership may be periodically verified after registration
Additional information
- First Book Canada membership is required before shopping on the Marketplace.
- Membership is periodically reviewed to confirm continued eligibility.
- First Book Canada also works with partners to host pop-up book distribution events.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program Program
What is the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program?
First Book Canada helps eligible members access books and educational resources for children in need, with some items available through the Marketplace and Book Bank. The program supports book distribution, disaster relief, and access to new donated books, with free books available for some pop-up events and costs limited to shipping and processing in some cases.
Who is eligible for the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program program?
To be eligible for the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program program, you must:
Registered First Book Canada member
Serves children from low-income families
Works in an eligible school or community organization
What expenses are eligible under First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program?
Receiving books and educational resources for children served
Attending pop-up book distribution events
Ordering donated books and resources through the Marketplace
Accessing books and resources for disaster relief needs
Who can I contact for more information about the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program?
You can contact First Book Canada by email at help@firstbook.org or by phone at 1-866-732-3669.
Where is the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program available?
The First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia, Ontario.
Is the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program?
First Book Canada — Book Distribution Program is funded by First Book Canada