My First Books
Read to Me Programs
My First Books Program for Migrant Seasonal Head Start Partners
The ICfL offers a version of My First Books for public libraries that wish to serve their Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) Centers. See the Community Council of Idaho for a list of MSHS Centers in your area.
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 eight months for each participating child, and My First Books families can participate in a free early literacy event. My First Books parents also receive “The Bookworm,” a monthly newsletter with tips and strategies to support early literacy skills at home.
In addition to providing children with books, Read to Me programs encourage contact between participating families and librarians to promote local library services.
2025-2026 Program
A Program Toolkit is available for participating libraries and community partners that contains program information, FAQs, checklists, templates, program orientation material, a request form to order additional books, evaluation tools, and MORE!
Application Steps:
The application for 2025-2026 is now closed.
The application to participate in the 2026-2027 program year will open in February 2026, provided that federal funding is reappropriated by Congress. Applications are due April 20 each year. No late applications are accepted. Only Idaho public libraries may apply. Please read Program Requirements and Application Guidelines carefully before applying.
2025-2026 Participant Map
If you have any questions about the My First Books program, please contact Staci.
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.