Eligibility Criteria & FAQs

Not sure if your school or program is eligible to receive books and resources from First Book Canada? Review our helpful FAQs below!

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/program and the community you serve. Becoming a member gives you instant, 24/7 access to the First Book Canada Marketplace among many other benefits (including announcements about special funding opportunities available to your school or program).

The reason First Book Canada is able to offer the lowest price possible on books and resources throughout the First Book Canada Marketplace is because 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.

Not sure if you school or program is eligible? Review the helpful eligibility criteria and FAQs below! If you have any questions or are unsure about your school/program's eligibility, please feel welcome to contact our friendly Member Services team at 1-866-READ-NOW or help@firstbook.org. There is no limit to the number of educators/staff within a given school or program who can sign up with First Book Canada. We encourage you to spread the word to your colleagues so they can join too!

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

If you work at or represent one of the following organizations/programs, you are eligible to sign up with First Book Canada:

A school/program primarily serving children with disabilities
A school/program primarily serving children from First Nations communities
A school/program primarily serving children from new immigrant families
A school/program where at least 70% of children come from low-income families
Early Childhood Programs
Out-Of-School Time Programs
Faith-Based Organizations
Shelters & Clinics
Libraries & Museums
Military Family Support Programs

As a librarian, I don't know the income level of most visiting families. How can I sign up?

If your library hosts a program specifically focused on supporting children from low-income families, children from new immigrant families, children from First Nations communities, or children with special needs or developmental delays you can register that particular library program. For example, if you partner with a local school, nearby Early Childhood Program, Shelter and/or other agency to deliver programming through your library, you can register with First Book Canada and distribute First Book Canada books and resources to those participating in the eligible programs.

In step one of registration, you'll be asked to input the percent of low-income children served through your program. Programs serving greater than 70% low-income children and families automatically qualify to be a First Book Canada member. Alternatively, if you select children from new immigrant families, children from First Nations communities, or children with special needs in the drop-down menu of the preceding question about program classification, your registration will also be accepted, even if you fall below the 70% threshold. Choose the best option to let us know how you came to your estimate in the Estimate Justification drop-down menu during registration.

I work in a children's museum and I don't know the income level of most visiting families. How can I register for First Book Canada?

If your museum hosts a program specifically focused on supporting children from low-income families, children from new immigrant families, children from First Nations communities, or children with special needs or developmental delays you can register that particular museum program. For example, if you host a Free Friday admission program for schools serving children in need, that Free Friday program would qualify to distribute books to those in attendance.

What if I work in a school and I don't know the income level of most of the student population?

You can register if at least 70% of the children in your school are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Prior to registering, we encourage you to check with your school administrator to find out if you are eligible.

How do I register if my organization doesn't directly serve children or families?

First Book Canada works with lots of advocate groups, civic organizations and faith based volunteers who are working to support programs serving kids in need. If you represent one of these organizations and have trouble with the registration questions, please contact our friendly Member Services team at 1-866-READ-NOW or help@firstbook.org.

I am a parent interested in getting books for my child. Can I become a First Book Canada member?

At the moment First Book Canada works directly with educators, service providers and programs serving children and families. We encourage you to make sure your child's school, child care or similar program is registered with First Book Canada. Your child can then receive books through their school or program. We encourage you to also visit www.fbmpcanada.org to learn more about our mission and other ways you can support our cause!

I work for a for-profit company. Can I become a First Book member?

While First Book Canada primarily serves schools and non-profit organizations, certain for-profit companies (e.g. for-profit daycare facilities and afterschool programs) are eligible for membership if you serve a population of at least 70% children who come from low-income families (or meet First Book Canada’s other eligibility requirements).

Please Note: Educators/staff representing for-profit companies must complete our online registration form AND provide a brief letter before you can log in and start shopping the First Book Canada Marketplace. Your letter must include the following information:

The percentage of kids in need served through your company as well as how you determined this estimate. There are several ways to estimate your company’s low-income percentage served (including free & reduced lunch data, census data, survey data from parents, WIC eligibility requirements, etc.). For more criteria, please visit our Eligibility FAQs page.
How you plan to use books and resources purchased or received from First Book. Please keep in mind that First Book mission is to provide books and resources exclusively to educators and other professionals who are working with kids in need.
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)

Once your letter is ready, please send it as an attachment to help@firstbook.org so we can review your information and activate your account (please allow at least 2 business days). If you have any questions regarding First Book’s for-profit registration policies or how to prepare your letter after you’ve completed your registration online, please contact our friendly Member Services team at 1-866-READ-NOW or help@firstbook.org.

I'm located in the United States. Can I become a First Book Canada member?

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 members located in the United States. Please visit www.firstbook.org to browse the selection of books and resources available to educators located across the border and sign up to become a First Book member for free!

My school/program was impacted by natural disaster or emergency. Am I eligible?

Yes! Even if you would not normally qualify through the eligibility requirements noted above, First Book Canada does offer support for disaster relief as communities recover from events like wildfires, hurricanes, and other tragic events. In step one of our registration form, please select Disaster Relief (temporary) in the Program Classification drop down menu and then contact our Member Services team (1-866-READ-NOW or help@firstbook.org) so we can manually activate your temporary First Book Canada Marketplace account.

Have a question about our eligibility requirements or need assistance?

Contact our friendly Member Services team at 1-866-READ-NOW (1-866-732-3669) or help@firstbook.org and we will answer your questions or help walk you through the registration process. Our regular business hours are 9am – 5pm ET, Monday – Friday (excluding major holidays).

Become a First Book Canada Member