First Book Give Away 2022
On Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 10 am – 4 pm, the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation hosted the AFT First Book Reading Opens the World 40,000 Book Giveaway and Literacy Event.
American Federation of Teachers and the Reading Opens the World campaign that AFT President Randi Weingarten kicked out this year to get 1 million FREE books into the hands of educators, school staff, and families across our country.
All these books are here were made possible by the AFT and in partnership with First Book. So far, the AFT working hand in hand with AFT local unions like CTU and community partners, PTA, have held 70-plus events and distributed more than 300,000 books to children, educators and families through this campaign.
CTU Recording Secretary Christel Williams-Hayes opening the event!
In addition to making access to books easier, Reading Opens the World also provides educators and parents with literacy practices and strategies grounded in the science of reading. Go to Share My Lesson.com for dozens of helpful literacy resources, and the CTUF Quest Center is providing a Reading Opens the World webinar series in the fall.
CTU and CTU Foundation volunteers and staff worked very hard for weeks in advance to plan this great event and receive, sort, and organize all 40,000+ books.
Aziza Parker with her daughter Aminata picking up books for Summertime reading!
Librarians who volunteered had first pick to fill up their school classrooms and libraries. If you are an educator or a parent, we hope to see you tomorrow!
“Kids in my school will be thrilled to explore all these current and amazing books.” Lies Garner – Hawthorne Scholastic Academy – Librarian
“I am so excited to get new books on the library shelves! The kids will be over the moon!” Kelly Ranftl – Durkin Park E.S. – Librarian
“There are so many popular books here! My students will be super excited!” Nora Wiltse – Coonley E.S. – Librarian
Please register with First Book!
Register at First Book to receive free books. Registration is free and on-site registration will be available. To register in advance, please go to www.firstbook.org/AFT.