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Eligibility Criteria

Unsure if you qualify for First Book Canada resources? Check our FAQs below!

The reason First Book Canada can offer the lowest price possible on books and resources throughout the First Book Canada Marketplace is that we aggregate the purchasing power of our unique network of educators and professionals serving kids in need. First Book Canada has special agreements in place with major publishers and vendors to allow our members to access exclusive pricing. The information you provide when you sign up to become a member helps us honor our commitments to our partners by ensuring that books and resources from First Book Canada are reaching kids and teens in underserved communities.

Before you can log in and start shopping on the First Book Canada Marketplace, you're required to become a First Book Canada member by answering a few quick questions about your school/organization and the community you serve.  

Frequently Asked Questions on Eligibility

• How do I know if I am eligible to become a First Book Canada member?
• Our school/organization has multiple staff members. Do we require one membership per school/organization?
• Can I still qualify if I homeschool children?
• How does eligibility work for librarians, library staff, and volunteers?
• Can staff at nonprofits and community organizations sign up?
• Can parents sign up for First Book Canada?

• I don't know the income level of most visiting families, so how can I register for First Book Canada?
• My school/organization is tax-exempt. How do I register for First Book Canada with taxes exempted on my order?
• Are employees at for-profit companies eligible for membership?
• Can I become a member if I'm located in the United States?

How do I know if I am eligible to become a First Book Canada member?

Educators, providers, and staff working or volunteering in schools or community organizations where the children served come from low-income families are eligible to sign up with First Book Canada. There are multiple ways to estimate your school or community organization’s population, including looking at census data, Service Canada guidelines, or checking with your school administrator.

Once registered, periodically, the First Book Canada team will contact you to verify if you are still working or volunteering in schools or community organizations where the children served come from low-income families. We strongly encourage you to keep your profile up-to-date with the latest information.  

Our school/organization has multiple staff members. Do we require one membership per school/organization?

We strongly encourage every staff member and/or volunteer as part of your school or organization to register.

Once a staff/volunteer is registered, periodically, the First Book Canada team will contact you to verify if you are still working or volunteering in schools or community organizations where the children served come from low-income families. You can update your profile with the latest information by logging in.

Can I still qualify if I homeschool children?

At this time, homeschools located in Canada are unable to register with First Book Canada at this time. However, this policy is reviewed periodically. In the event this policy changes, we will keep your name on file and will reach back out to you if your homeschool is deemed eligible.

How does eligibility work for librarians, library staff, and volunteers?

There are many ways librarians, media specialists, library staff, or volunteers can qualify for First Book Canada. Staff working in public or school libraries that serve low-income families are eligible to sign up with First Book Canada. For example, if you partner with a local school, a nearby early childhood program, a shelter and/or other agency to deliver programming through your library. There are multiple ways to estimate your library's low-income percent served, including looking at census data or Service Canada guidelines.

Can staff at nonprofits and community organizations sign up?

First Book Canada works with staff and providers at many local nonprofits, after-school programs, civic organizations, health care programs, faith-based programs, museums, and other community groups who offer support to children and families in need. If you work or volunteer at a program like this, there are several ways you can automatically qualify for First Book Canada. For example, summer programs that provide breakfast to children, afterschool programs serving students from a nearby TDSB Model School, or organizations serving military families. 

Can parents sign up for First Book Canada?

First Book Canada exclusively works with educators, service providers, and program leaders serving children and families in a professional setting. Parents (and the general public) cannot sign up for First Book Canada membership or shop from the First Book Canada Marketplace. However, if your child attends a school or program that may be eligible for First Book Canada, we encourage you to tell your child’s teacher/librarian/care provider/etc. about us so they can sign up and access all the benefits of membership. 

I don't know the income level of most visiting families, so how can I register for First Book Canada?

If your school or community organization hosts a program specifically focused on supporting children from low-income families, children from new immigrant families, children from First Nations communities, or disabled children, you can register.  

In step one of registration, after identifying your organization type, you'll be asked to input a special designation for your school or community organization. Choose the best and most appropriate option, and your registration will be accepted.

My school/organization is tax-exempt. How do I register for First Book Canada with taxes exempted on my order?

While registering as a First Book Canada member, you will be asked if the school or organization you serve is tax-exempt.  

Please note: Educators or staff representing a tax-exempt organization or school must complete our online registration form AND provide a brief letter before you can log in and start shopping on the First Book Canada Marketplace. Your letter must include the following information:

• Your full name and signature.
• The name of your school/organization, including the full mailing address.
• The following statement: “I certify that all the information included in this registration is legal, true, and accurate. I understand that offering false information will immediately invalidate my registration.”
• Your company’s official letterhead (if possible).
• For First Nations peoples, bands, and band councils of a reserve: the Letter of Exemption needs to include the following the official name of (1) the First Nations, Tribal Council, or Reserve, (2) the Registry Number, (3) the province, (4) your name and signature, and (5) if applicable a copy of your Certificate of Indian Status card.  

Once your letter is ready, please send it as an attachment to help@firstbook.org so we can review your information and activate your membership (please allow at least 4-5 business days). When your account is approved, taxes will be automatically removed during checkout.

Are employees at for-profit companies eligible for membership?

While First Book Canada primarily serves schools and nonprofit organizations, staff members at certain for-profit companies (e.g., for-profit daycare facilities and afterschool programs) are eligible for membership.

If you are a for-profit company and are interested in working with First Book Canada or exploring new ways to get books and resources to children in need, contact First Book Canada's team at canadaprograms@firstbook.org.

Can I become a member if I'm located in the United States?

While only educators and program leaders located in Canada can access the First Book Canada Marketplace, we have a sister organization with a separate website for educators and program staff located in the United States. Please visit fbmarketplace.org to browse the selection of books and resources available to educators located in the United States and sign up to become a First Book US member for free!

Need Help?

Have a question about your eligibility or registration?

If you have any questions about your eligibility for First Book Canada, the benefits of membership, or how to become a member, contact our friendly Member Services team at 1-866-732-3669 or help@firstbook.org. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM ET (excluding major holidays).