The mission at First Library® / BUMS & BOOKS is to promote daily reading & monthly library visits for single first time mothers in need. We provide free diapers and supplies weekly with enrollment. What We Do Free Children’s Books We mail age-appropriate books to families each month to build early literacy habits from birth. Essential Diapers Families receive diapers delivered directly to their homes—reducing stress and supporting healthy development. Literacy & Family Support We connect families to reading routines, library engagement, and educational encouragement. Who We Serve Who We Support: First-time mothers Single-parent households Families with infants and toddlers Families facing financial hardship How It Works: Apply online Get approved Submit library visit documentation. Receive monthly mailings of books & diapers Start Now FIRST LIBRARY GOES VIRTUAL! Mother meetings and The First Library / BUMS & BOOKS Shop are now online. Fill your child's life books from your local library and basics for their bum! Daily Reading, Weekly Diaper Delivery and Monthly Library Visits for New Single First Time Mothers In Need. 1/1 APPLY NOW MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR CHILD'S FIRST LIBRARY®. We just don't give, we engage. First Library® / Bums and Books is an early childhood literacy 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes daily reading and monthly library patronage for expectant and new single first time mothers in need (open to newborn to age one children) by offering free diapers, books, and educational support until their child’s third birthday.* Mothers are asked to read to their child daily and are required to visit their local library monthly and perform various free reading related activities to participate in our three year program. The first three years of a child’s life offer parents an amazing opportunity to shape their child’s growth and form healthy habits. First Library's / Bums and Books mission is to promote early childhood literacy for preschool children through daily reading, monthly library patronage and educational support plus we help children develop other healthy habits. Our vision, at First Library / Bums and Books, is to not only give every newborn child a foundation for a lifetime love of reading and library patronage, but to actively engage their parents in the process. Perfect — here is everything fully integrated for FirstLibrary / Bums & Books with the library-as-an-equalizer message woven into your Homepage Hero, About/Mission, and Footer in a warm, dignified tone. You can copy-paste these directly into your site. HOMEPAGE HERO FirstLibrary We don’t just give. We walk with families. Helping children grow with care, dignity, and books. At FirstLibrary, we believe the library is one of the last true equalizers — a place where everyone belongs, curiosity is free, and opportunity is shared. Through our Bums & Books program, we support families with es sentials and early literacy while honoring every parent’s strength and dignity. ABOUT / MISSION PAGE Our Mission FirstLibrary exists to support families with young children by combining early literacy, basic care, and human dignity. We believe: • Every child deserves access to books • Every family deserves support that feels respectful and private • And every community is stronger when opportunity is shared The library is our inspiration. It is open to everyone — regardless of income, background, or circumstance. In a world where so much divides us, the library remains an equalizer: a place where knowledge is free and belonging is universal. How We Help Through our Bums & Books program, we provide: • Diapers and hygiene essentials • Children’s books • Parenting and learning resources • Quiet, respectful support delivered discreetly to families’ homes We don’t require families to stand in lines or explain their hardship in public. Support should feel safe, personal, and dignified. Our Heart At FirstLibrary, we believe real support is more than a handout — it’s a relationship. We don’t just give. We walk with families. We listen. We encourage. We share tools, resources, and hope. We believe every parent wants the best for their child, and with the right support, every family can grow stronger. A Note From Our Founder “I started FirstLibrary because I saw how many loving parents were doing their very best — yet still felt invisible in systems that were supposed to help them. I wanted to build something different. A place where families could receive support without shame. Where dignity comes first. And where books and basic care go hand in hand. At FirstLibrary, we meet people with compassion and confidence in their ability to grow.” — Kate Ward, Founder FOOTER STATEMENT FirstLibrary The library is for everyone. An equalizer in a divided world. Providing books, essentials, and dignity to families — one home, one child, one story at a OUR PROGRAM RESEARCH BACKED MISSION DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND PARENTS AS TEACHERS STUDY SHOWS THE NEED FOR REGULAR READING TIME VALIDATING FIRST LIBRARY’S MISSION PEW RESEARCH CENTER STUDY SHOWS THE NEED FOR REGULAR LIBRARY PATRONAGE VALIDATING FIRST LIBRARY’S MISSION NEW JAMA PEDIATRICS FINDINGS SHOW PAPER BOOKS BEAT TABLETS IN PARENT-CHILD INTERACTIONS TAKE ACTION FUNDRAISE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY’S PROGRAM. BECOME A CAT MEMBER - VOLUNTEER . TURN OFF TECH AND TURN ON READING & MORE! WORK TO BRING THE FIRST LIBRARY TO YOUR COMMUNITY! "I thought if reading and regular diaper deliveries could bring so much comfort and joy, to just one child, how much could it bring to multiple children? It was then that I decided to create First Library®." Catherine Tinger Goldberg Founder First Library was the first and one-time largest affiliate of the "Book Lady"' Free Book Gifting program in New Jersey for over ten years and served sixteen counties during its tenure as its affiliate. First Library previously offered this program as part of its overall program and is now independent of it. *Some exclusions apply. Not available in all areas. Please email info @firstlibrary.org to be placed on our waitlist of new coverage areas. PRESS 2018 Best Social Assistance Program - Chatham 2022 GuideStar Bronze Seal of Transparency Rotary Club Selects First Library for its “2019 Beds for a Cause” Service Project 2019 My Life Publications - First Library in 7 of its 16 NJ Issues. First Library Founder Interview 2022 GuideStar Bronze Seal of Transparency PROGRAM Mission V alidation Impact First Library® Book List First Library® Application Form First Library ® Registration Form First Library ® Shop © 2012 - 2026 First Librar y® By continuing on this website you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy . GIVE Become a Business Sponsor Create a Fundraising Page Give Financially Sponsor a Child Turn Off and Turn On Volunteer First Library® 4 Old Turnpike Road Morristown, NJ 07960 Suite 1 firstlibrary.org@gmail.com 973-610-8833 CONNECT Contact Us Join Our Mailing List Make a Referral to First Library® Board of Trustees Guest Book & Blog Become a Local Community Representative Local Community Representative Free Book Gifting Chapters First Library® is a 501(c)(3) charity. 46-2001321 All rights reserved. First Library is a registered trademark symbol of First Library, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation

2017 Book List (2 points)

Guest Book * A valid email address is required to post a message. Your email address will not be published or seen by others. Name* Email Address Message* SUBMIT Guest Book Amy My Great grandson will just love his first ride-on toy. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Continued success with the literacy program. Stephanie Thank you so much for the baby girl clothes, Catherine! I love the outfits and can't wait to put them on my daughter! They are too cute. Words cannot express my gratitude for your helping. It's nice to know there are still helping and caring people. God bless you and your lovely family! Daniele I. Thank you for the winter clothes for our son it is much appreciated! Russell and Michelle Hi, Thank you for the baby bumbo seat. It is perfect for our daughter. We appeciate your help! Michelle and Russell Thank you for the baby bumbo seat. We appreciate your help. This seat will be perfect for our baby girl. We absolutely love it. Danielle Catherine, Thank you so much for my twin daughters newly donated ride on toys! They were thrilled to receive them today, and were so happy to each have their own. I as a mother thank you, for I really enjoyed their giggles as they played. Much thanks! Danielle Danielle Catherine, Thank you so much for the generosity you have shown my twin daughters! They are so thrilled with their newly donated ride on toys! And not only do they love them, but they have their very own each! Thank you again!!! Danielle Alberto C. It was a pleasure dealing with Catherine today. I think what your doing here is great. Its nice to know there are still people that are willing to help those in need. Thanks AL Julie Thank you so much for your contribution to my classroom library! Carol N I appreciate the Donation I received for my son, we are so thankful to have people like you with a great heart around. God Bless You, Nicole Hughston I love this program, what a great thing you're doing. Teaching the importance of Literacy and starting with new parents who may not know how important it is to read to your child. Thank you Sam Keegan Wonderfully helpful and generous people and a great aim to make a practical difference. Katherine M. I'm impressed with the amount of thought you have given to the program. Your mission is important. Wishing you much success. April Baker I appreciate the help I have received and hope to volunteer my time somehow. Thanks! E. Ann M. I like the idea that you are helping first time mothers and their babies while educating them about the importance of reading to them early and consistently. Also it is a great idea that you are promoting healthy and responsible parenting. Rachel Huffington Went to First Library and loved the atmosphere. It was very welcoming and caring. You knew as soon as you walked through the front door that education was top priority. My kids loved it there and I couldn't agree more. The books that First Library send out are very age appropriate. My kids now look forward to me reading to them nightly.

Make a Referral to First Library® First Library's mission is to compliment existing Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs ( mchb.hrsa.gov ) and other social welfare programs by offering expectant and new single first time mothers in need, educational toys, supplies, children’s clothing, and gifts from local businesses and professionals AND educational support while promoting daily reading and monthly library patronage. If you have a patient or client who is pregnant with their first child or is a first time mother with a child under one year old and is interested in the First Library program, please fill out the program information request form to the right for program details and an official referral form. Qualified primary care providers and service organizations will receive a detailed program description and referral form(s). We also accept referrals from the following agencies: Nurse-Family Partnership, NJ. Healthy Families, NJ. Mothering Mothers, NJ. Parents as Teachers, NJ. Healthy Start, NJ. Prevent Child Abuse NJ. Local Doula Providers, NJ. Program description and referral forms can also be obtained by calling 973-610-8833 or by email at firstlibrary@firstlibrary.org . REQUIREMENTS It is the mother's first child. The mother is single. The mother is more than 36 weeks pregnant or has a child under one year old. The mother is able to commit to the program for three years. The mother is planning to/enrolled in an another reading program (optional). The mother is currently enrolled in Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP, TANF, WIC or has extreme financial need. The mother is enrolled in a participating service organization program. Name* Company Email Address* Company Name* Company Phone* Company Zip* Mother's Name* Message SUBMIT Children from middle-income homes have on average 13 books per child. In low-income neighborhoods, there is only one book for every 300 children. Reach Out and Read, Reading Across the Nation: A Chartbook, 2007. Ten Things Every Child Needs “ Catherine, Thank you so much for my twin daughters newly donated ride on toys! They were thrilled to receive them today, and were so happy to each have their own. I as a mother thank you, for I really enjoyed their giggles as they played. Much thanks! Danielle ”

New educational toys, clothing & gifts for expectant and new single first time mothers in need with daily reading and monthly library visits. Apply today! WHAT WE DO First Library® is a three year program that offers expectant and new single first time mothers in need (newborn to age one children only) educational support, new educational toys, supplies, children's clothing, and gifts from local businesses and professionals for their child while strengthening their community connections.* Mothers are encouraged to read to their child daily and are required to visit their local library monthly and perform various free reading related activities to participate in the program. All items are brand new, age-appropriate and are available online with participation. BONUS: First time mothers receive gifts for continued participation. It is our hope at First Library to give single first time mothers and their children a love of reading, family reading time, and a respect and appreciation for literature and libraries. *Participation in a free monthly book program/social service program or referral from a social service agency/medical caregiver is mandatory for participation in the First Library program. APPLY FOR FIRST LIBRARY® Daily Reading Monthly Library Visits Library Activities Educational Support New Educational Toys New Clothing New Supplies Local Businesses Gifts Reading Surveys Questionaires Parental Support Community Connection BRING FIRST LIBARY TO YOUR COMMUNITY TOO! Help kids take a break from tech for two hours on Tuesdays (and more) and turn on reading while bringing the First Library program to single first time mothers in need in your community. TAKE A BREAK AND HELP A CHILD IN NEED.

The gift of reading for one child becomes the gift of reading for many. Our Story Being a first time mothers is hard. Being a single first time mothers is the hardest. Growing up the ninth and youngest child of a young widow, my father died when I was six weeks old, was like being the first born child of a single (first time) mother in need. I didn't have any new clothing, toys or anything special chosen just for me. And e ven though we lived three blocks from the library I rarely went there until I was a student at the neighboring elementary school. In fact, I was one of the "61% of children from low income families that do not have any age-appropriate books in the home during their childhood". After I became a first time mother myself I decided to make reading, books and the library a constant and permanent part of my child’s life. I would read aloud to him daily and regularly took him with me to bookstores and the library to buy or borrow books. A practice I continued with my subsequent children. Throughout their preschool years I also gave them educational, non battery operated toys to expand their imaginations and develop their fine motor skills. I thought if the practices I had introduced during my children's childhood (reading aloud to them daily, visiting the local library weekly/monthly, buying them books and educational toys plus utilizing healthy parenting techniqes) had benefited my children so greatly, was there a way could I offer such a program to first time mothers in need, who were in many ways like my own mother. I created First Library®, an free reading program for new and expectant first time mothers, the majority in need. First Library promotes daily reading and monthly library patronage while offering first time mothers the opportunity to earn essential baby items with participation. I found a national free book gifting program already in operation but not available in the State of New Jersey. I decided to offer this program as part of my program.* This part the First Library program was originally available to all preschool children, not just newborns, until the age of five. But after much thought and consideration, input by parents, and especially research on my part, I decided to make that program available to first born children only. I wanted to recreate the happiness, joy, and comfort first time mothers and their child felt reading their first books together plus the gratitude the first time mothers expressed sharing the "First Library program" with their newborn children. And I wanted to give new first time mothers, like Diane, an opportunity to "earn" books, educational toys, and supplies aside from the free book program through free reading related activities tailored to their wants and needs. The program, an incentive and reward program, was called First Library®. Beyond the encouraged daily reading of the free book gifting program, First Library® parents could also earn points for free gifts (books and related items) with monthly library patronage to “shop” for more books at our First Library Shop®. The First Library Shop offered first time mothers additional free books and educational toys during their child's first year of life by performing various free reading related activities through the First Library program. An ADDED BONUS: First time mothers received gifts for continued participation. After the birth of my first child I decided to made books and the use of the library a constant and permanent part of his, and any future children's, life. I created First Library®, a new book, toy and clothing program for new first time mothers in need. I found a national free book gifting program already in operation but not available in the State of New Jersey. I decided to offer this program as part of my program.* Just like the original First Library program was designed to fit my vision and mission, to include daily reading and required monthly library visits, I redesigned the First Baby program, now also First Library®, with the expanded new vision of the original and first First Library program, with an emphasis on healthy and responsible parenting. I wanted to recreate the excitement, awe and inquisitiveness my children experienced with their continued and ever increasing exposure to books and literature while giving their parents the opportunity to "earn" educational toys and clothing during their child's first three years of life. This new improved program better prepared children, the majority in need, for a lifetime love of reading and books. And I only began to regularly visit the library and purchasing books after I started working as a young adult. When I married, I decided to break the pattern set in my home growing up and make books and the use of the library a constant and permanent part of my, and my future children's, life. As I prepared for the birth of my first child I attended parenting classes and regularly read early childhood development educational books; most borrowed from the library. During my pregnancy and after the birth of my first child, I read aloud to him daily. I also took him regularly, starting at birth, to bookstores and the library. A practice I continued with my subsequent children. Today, he and my other three children are voracious readers with extensive home libraries. Throughout their preschool years I also gave them educational, non battery-operated toys to expand their imaginations and develop their fine motor skills. I thought if the practices I had introduced during their childhood, (the early introduction of reading aloud daily (and before birth), continued exposure to literature, book ownership and library patronage, the usage of educational toys plus healthy parenting), had benefited my children so greatly, was there a way could I offer such a program to first time mothers in need, in many ways like my mother. I, once again, began researching ways to implement such the program on a larger scale (for first time mothers in need only) and discovered Prevent Child Abuse America and Nurse Family Partnership. Their (and others) home visiting programs are especially designed for expectant and/or new parents (NFP is for first time mothers only) and are designed to teach them healthy parenting skills and ways to nurture their child's literacy skills. I created Most First Library (formerly First Baby) and the Most First Library Shop and later Most First Library Too Shop to compliment these existing programs. It would expand on the model of the First Library program with the focus on first time mothers in need only. Most First Library is designed to help first time mothers in need bring the love of reading and library patronage into their child's home at birth and to help them learn the importance of early childhood development, healthy parenting and, especially, reading. CatherineThe idea to start "First Library" came after my friend, Diane, had her first child. I wanted to give my love of reading to her and her newborn child. I sent Diane some books as a gift for her to read to her newborn son, Lubin. I also sent her new clothing and educational toys). Later her husband, Pascal, a native Parisian, began to read to their son and was learning to read and write in English himself. After a few years, Lubin, who was now reading his gift books by himself, proudly displayed and shared his ever-growing first library with friends and family. After over ten years of being a Free Book Gifting program affiliate and serving sixteen communities throughout the State of New Jersey, First Library refocused its efforts to promote library patronage. The newly redesigned would put more emphasis on the essential baby items mothers were requesting: clothing and toys. educational toys, supplies, children's clothing AND gifts from local businesses and professionals to expectant and new single first time mothers in need only enrolled in their program. After the birth of my first child I decided to made books and the use of the library a constant and permanent part of his, and any future children's, life. I created First Library®, a new book, toy and clothing program for new first time mothers in need. I found a national free book gifting program already in operation but not available in the State of New Jersey. I decided to offer this program as part of my program.* Just like the original First Library program was designed to fit my vision and mission, to include daily reading and required monthly library visits, I redesigned the First Baby program, now also First Library®, with the expanded new vision of the original and first First Library program, with an emphasis on healthy and responsible parenting. I wanted to recreate the excitement, awe and inquisitiveness my children experienced with their continued and ever increasing exposure to books and literature while giving their parents the opportunity to "earn" educational toys and clothing during their child's first three years of life. This new improved program better prepared children, the majority in need, for a lifetime love of reading and books. And I only began to regularly visit the library and purchasing books after I started working as a young adult. When I married, I decided to break the pattern set in my home growing up and make books and the use of the library a constant and permanent part of my, and my future children's, life. As I prepared for the birth of my first child I attended parenting classes and regularly read early childhood development educational books; most borrowed from the library. During my pregnancy and after the birth of my first child, I read aloud to him daily. I also took him regularly, starting at birth, to bookstores and the library. A practice I continued with my subsequent children. Today, he and my other three children are voracious readers with extensive home libraries. Throughout their preschool years I also gave them educational, non battery-operated toys to expand their imaginations and develop their fine motor skills. I thought if the practices I had introduced during their childhood, (the early introduction of reading aloud daily (and before birth), continued exposure to literature, book ownership and library patronage, the usage of educational toys plus healthy parenting), had benefited my children so greatly, was there a way could I offer such a program to first time mothers in need, in many ways like my mother. I, once again, began researching ways to implement such the program on a larger scale (for first time mothers in need only) and discovered Prevent Child Abuse America and Nurse Family Partnership. Their (and others) home visiting programs are especially designed for expectant and/or new parents (NFP is for first time mothers only) and are designed to teach them healthy parenting skills and ways to nurture their child's literacy skills. I created Most First Library (formerly First Baby) and the Most First Library Shop and later Most First Library Too Shop to compliment these existing programs. It would expand on the model of the First Library program with the focus on first time mothers in need only. Most First Library is designed to help first time mothers in need bring the love of reading and library patronage into their child's home at birth and to help them learn the importance of early childhood development, healthy parenting and, especially, reading. CatherineThe idea to start "First Library" came after my friend, Diane, had her first child. I wanted to give my love of reading to her and her newborn child. I sent Diane some books as a gift for her to read to her newborn son, Lubin. I also sent her new clothing and educational toys). I began researching ways to implement my program on a larger scale and discovered a national free book program already in operation but not operational in the State of New Jersey. Each child, regardless of gender, race or income, registered in the free book gifting program received a book each month until the age of five. I decided to offer this program as part of my program.* educational toys, supplies, children's clothing AND gifts from local businesses and professionals to expectant and new single first time mothers in need only enrolled in their program. This part the First Library program was originally available to all preschool children, not just newborns, until the age of five. But after much thought and consideration, input by parents, and especially research on my part, I decided to make that program available to newborns only. I wanted to recreate the happiness, joy, and comfort Lubin felt reading his first books plus the gratitude his first time mother, Diane expressed sharing the "First Library program" with her newborn son, while also requiring local library patronage. And I wanted to give new first time mothers, like Diane, an opportunity to "earn" books, educational toys, and supplies aside from the free book program t hrough free reading related activities tailored to their wants and needs. The program, an incentive and reward program, was called First Library®. Beyond the encouraged daily reading of the free book gifting program, First Library® parents could also earn points for free gifts (books and related items) with monthly library patronage to “shop” for more books at our First Library Shop®. The First Library Shop offered first time mothers additional free books and educational toys during their child's first year of life by performing various free reading related activities through the First Library program. An ADDED BONUS: First time mothers received gifts for continued participation. I also decided to devise a program for first time mothers in need (First Baby) that was tailored to their and their first born child's special circumstances. The program would give f irst time parents in need the original First Library book program, other books and gently used clothing and educational toys during their child's first three years of life by requiring parents to read to their child daily, submit a reading log, visit their local library monthly and perform various free reading related activities. Just like the original First Library program was designed to fit my vision and mission, to include daily reading and required monthly library visits, I redesigned the First Baby program, now also First Library®, with the expanded new vision of the original and first First Library program, with an emphasis on healthy and responsible parenting. I wanted to recreate the excitement, awe and inquisitiveness my children experienced with their continued and ever increasing exposure to books and literature while giving their parents the opportunity to "earn" educational toys and clothing during their child's first three years of life. This new improved program better prepared children, the majority in need, for a lifetime love of reading and books. And as an ADDED BONUS: First time mothers receive gifts for continued participation. V In closing, by refocusing our efforts on newborn and first born children only, First Library can bring the program to new families who are experiencing the love of reading for the first time plus encourage a respect and appreciation for literature, family reading time and library patronage. I hope you will join me and bring every First Library program to every newborn child in New Jersey... and beyond. Thank you. Catherine Tinger Goldberg P.S. As in life the best way to meet the needs of children is to go where you are most wanted and appreciated. After over ten years of being a Free Book Gifting program affiliate and serving sixteen communities throughout the State of New Jersey, First Library, has refocused its efforts to promote library patronage by offering only new educational toys, supplies, children's clothing AND gifts from local businesses and professionals to expectant and new single first time mothers in need only enrolled in their program. Plus, we've made the entire program virtual including our First Library Shop. We have also refocused our efforts to bring the First Library program to more new communities across the United States by partnering with TO4TOT. TOT4TOT, a charitable fundraising service, raises funds by parents pledging to T urn O ff T ech 4 T wo (hours) O n T uesdays (and their children's) to bring our program to the 20+ million children across America not enrolled in our and other reading programs. Visit TOT4TOT.com and help give the joy of reading to children in your own community. Thank you. Catherine *First Library, the first and one time largest affiliate of the Free Book Gifting program in New Jersey for over ten years, is now independent of the program. Thank you to the following professionals and companies for donating goods and services. Michael M. Goldberg, Attorney-at-Law, Providence, RI. J. Anthony Manger, Attorney-at-Law, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Michael F Vernoia, Jr., CPA, VEBCPA, Somerville, NJ. Charles J. Meyer, Attorney-at-Law, Indianapolis, IN. James Howard, CEO, Entrepreneurial U. LLC., Morristown, NJ. Thomas Hubbard, SCORE, Charlottesville, VA. LJ Frank, Library Director (retired), Knox County Public Library, Knoxville, TN. Mara Tettlebaum Goldberg, CPA, Hoboken, NJ. Loantaka, LLC, Commercial Real Estate, Chatham, NJ. Patrick Stewart, SCORE, San Diego, CA. Thank you to the following professionals and companies for donating goods and services. Michael M. Goldberg, Attorney-at-Law, Providence, RI. J. Anthony Manger, Attorney-at-Law, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Michael F Vernoia, Jr., CPA, VEBCPA, Somerville, NJ. Charles J. Meyer, Attorney-at-Law, Indianapolis, IN. James Howard, CEO, Entrepreneurial U. LLC., Morristown, NJ. Thomas Hubbard, SCORE, Charlottesville, VA. LJ Frank, Library Director (retired), Knox County Public Library, Knoxville, TN. Mara Tettlebaum Goldberg, CPA, Hoboken, NJ. Loantaka, LLC, Commercial Real Estate, Chatham, NJ. Patrick Stewart, SCORE, San Diego, CA. I, once again, began researching ways to implement such the program on a larger scale (for first time mothers in need only) and discovered Prevent Child Abuse America and Nurse Family Partnership. Their (and others) home visiting programs are especially designed for expectant and/or new parents (NFP is for first time mothers only) and are designed to teach them healthy parenting skills and ways to nurture their child's literacy skills. I created Most First Library (formerly First Baby) and the Most First Library Shop and later Most First Library Too Shop to compliment these existing programs. It would expand on the model of the First Library program with the focus on first time mothers in need only. Most First Library is designed to help first time mothers in need bring the love of reading and library patronage into their child's home at birth and to help them learn the importance of early childhood development, healthy parenting and, especially, reading. CatherineThe idea to start "First Library" came after my friend, Diane, had her first child. I wanted to give my love of reading to her and her newborn child. I sent Diane some books as a gift for her to read to her newborn son, Lubin. I also sent her new clothing and educational toys). Just like the original First Library program was designed to fit my vision and mission, to include daily reading and required monthly library visits, I redesigned the First Baby program, now also First Library®, with the expanded new vision of the original and first First Library program, with an emphasis on healthy and responsible parenting. I wanted to recreate the excitement, awe and inquisitiveness my children experienced with their continued and ever increasing exposure to books and literature while giving their parents the opportunity to "earn" educational toys and clothing during their child's first three years of life. This new improved program better prepared children, the majority in need, for a lifetime love of reading and books. And I only began to regularly visit the library and purchasing books after I started working as a young adult. When I married, I decided to break the pattern set in my home growing up and make books and the use of the library a constant and permanent part of my, and my future children's, life. As I prepared for the birth of my first child I attended parenting classes and regularly read early childhood development educational books; most borrowed from the library. During my pregnancy and after the birth of my first child, I read aloud to him daily. I also took him regularly, starting at birth, to bookstores and the library. A practice I continued with my subsequent children. Today, he and my other three children are voracious readers with extensive home libraries. Throughout their preschool years I also gave them educational, non battery-operated toys to expand their imaginations and develop their fine motor skills. I thought if the practices I had introduced during their childhood, (the early introduction of reading aloud daily (and before birth), continued exposure to literature, book ownership and library patronage, the usage of educational toys plus healthy parenting), had benefited my children so greatly, was there a way could I offer such a program to first time mothers in need, in many ways like my mother. I, once again, began researching ways to implement such the program on a larger scale (for first time mothers in need only) and discovered Prevent Child Abuse America and Nurse Family Partnership. Their (and others) home visiting programs are especially designed for expectant and/or new parents (NFP is for first time mothers only) and are designed to teach them healthy parenting skills and ways to nurture their child's literacy skills. I created Most First Library (formerly First Baby) and the Most First Library Shop and later Most First Library Too Shop to compliment these existing programs. It would expand on the model of the First Library program with the focus on first time mothers in need only. Most First Library is designed to help first time mothers in need bring the love of reading and library patronage into their child's home at birth and to help them learn the importance of early childhood development, healthy parenting and, especially, reading. CatherineThe idea to start "First Library" came after my friend, Diane, had her first child. I wanted to give my love of reading to her and her newborn child. I sent Diane some books as a gift for her to read to her newborn son, Lubin. I also sent her new clothing and educational toys).I thought if one book could bring so much happiness, joy, and comfort to just one child, how much could it bring to multiple children? I founded First Library so mothers in need, especially single first time mothers in need, could bring the love of reading into their child's home at birth and help to give them new children's clothing, educational toys and supplies. It was then that I decided to create First Library®, a free book, toy and clothing program for new mothers. Thank you to the following professionals and companies for donating goods and services. Michael M. Goldberg, Attorney-at-Law, Providence, RI. J. Anthony Manger, Attorney-at-Law, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Michael F Vernoia, Jr., CPA, VEBCPA, Somerville, NJ. Charles J. Meyer, Attorney-at-Law, Indianapolis, IN. James Howard, CEO, Entrepreneurial U. LLC., Morristown, NJ. Thomas Hubbard, SCORE, Charlottesville, VA. LJ Frank, Library Director (retired), Knox County Public Library, Knoxville, TN. Mara Tettlebaum Goldberg, CPA, Hoboken, NJ. Loantaka, LLC, Commercial Real Estate, Chatham, NJ. Patrick Stewart, SCORE, San Diego, CA. *First Library, the first and one-time largest affiliate of the Free Book Gifting Program in New Jersey, gave new books monthly to preschool children in 16 communities for over ten years. “Went to First Library and loved the atmosphere. It was very welcoming and caring. You knew as soon as yo u walked through the front door that education was top priority. My child loved it there and I couldn't agree more. The books that First Library send out are very age appropriate. My daughter now looks forward to me reading to her nightly.” Rachel H. PROGRAM Mission V alidation Impact First Library® Book List First Library® Application Form First Library ® Registration Form First Library ® Shop © 2012 - 2022 First Librar y® By continuing on this website you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy . GIVE Become a Business Sponsor Create a Fundraising Page Give Financially Sponsor a Child Turn Off and Turn On Volunteer First Library® 4 Old Turnpike Road Morristown, NJ 07960 Suite 1 firstlibrary.org@gmail.com 973-610-8833 CONNECT Contact Us Join Our Mailing List Make a Referral to First Library® Board of Trustees Guest Book & Blog Become a Local Community Representative Local Community Representative Free Book Gifting Chapters First Library® is a 501(c)(3) charity. 46-2001321 All rights reserved. First Library is a registered trademark symbol of First Library, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation

New Life Publications 1/1 Press First Library™ offers free books to Chatham newborns January 16,2019 First Library™ offers free books to Chatham newborns January 15,2018 First Library Holds Reception at New Morristown Location November 5,2018 First Library celebrates 5 Year Anniversary. June 5,2017 First Library free book program available to Chatham newborns at firstlibrary.org. July 19, 2014 Ten Things Every Child Needs Video On First Library Website, firstlibrary.org December 13, 2012 Free Children’ Boutique Open To First Time Mothers In Need With Emphasize On Books December 5, 2012 PROGRAM Mission V alidation Impact First Library® Book List First Library® Application Form First Library ® Registration Form First Library ® Shop © 2012 - 2022 First Librar y® By continuing on this website you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy . GIVE Become a Business Sponsor Create a Fundraising Page Give Financially Sponsor a Child Turn Off and Turn On Volunteer First Library® 4 Old Turnpike Road Morristown, NJ 07960 Suite 1 firstlibrary.org@gmail.com 973-610-8833 CONNECT Contact Us Join Our Mailing List Make a Referral to First Library® Board of Trustees Guest Book & Blog Become a Local Community Representative Local Community Representative Free Book Gifting Chapters First Library® is a 501(c)(3) charity. 46-2001321 All rights reserved. First Library is a registered trademark symbol of First Library, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation

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