My First Books supports children from birth to kindergarten who are unlikely to have many books in their homes or have a library card. The program provides a book a month for nine months for each participating child, and My First Books families can participate in a free early literacy workshop. My First Books parents also receive a monthly newsletter, “The Bookworm,” which suggests tips and strategies to support early literacy skills at home.

In addition to providing children with books, a goal of all Read to Me programs is to encourage contact between participating families and librarians to promote local library services.  

THE APPLICATION FOR 2024 – 2025 IS DUE APRIL 20, 2024

No late applications will be accepted.  Only Idaho public libraries may apply. Please read Program Requirements and Application Guidelines carefully before applying.

Application Steps:

ORDER ADDITIONAL BOOKS

If your inventory was short or if your enrollment increased, click below to order additional books

2023-2024 Program Information

ICfL staff provides a variety of program resources for participating libraries. Toggle to the menu below for: change in enrollment form, FAQs, checklists, letter and survey templates, program orientation material and MORE!

My First Books-Dashboard-Final by All staff

Partner Survey

Your feedback is very important to us as it helps us improve library programs and our partnerships. Thank you for taking time to fill out our survey.

Library Program Report

Program reporting and feedback is very important to us as it helps us improve library programs and our partnerships. Thank you for your final report.

If you have any questions about the My First Books program, please contact Staci.

Staci Shaw

Staci Shaw

Youth Services Consultant
Email / 208-639-4178
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This program is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.