Thank you for your interest in obtaining books for city students.

REF has donated more than 20,000 new books since the launch of Give Back, Give Books in 2006, supporting parent-child reading events, school book fairs, school library collection expansion and summer reading programs.

Teacher's Choice is an application process which REF uses for all general book requests for books to be given to students through academic or other programs serving students and to be used by students at city school libraries. REF will continue to serve donor requests to donate to specific libraries, schools or classrooms on behalf of donors.

Please note that our most recent application cycle ended on February 26, 2010. Twenty-four teacher projects, and one project at a not-for-profit organization serving city young people were approved. Proposals from three city school libraries also were approved. Another application cycle is scheduled for the fall of 2010.

Click here for the list of teachers who were awarded books in March, 2010.

Questions and answers follow below. Please feel free to contact us at 271-5790 or info@rochestereducation.org with additional questions.

What's the process?

Our online application process begins on this page with each cycle. We announce the beginning of each cycle via the REF e-newsletter mailing list; click here to subscribe.

Who can apply?

Teachers of city public school students, librarians of city public schools, and not-for-profit organizations serving city young people.

When can I apply?

We will accept applications for book donations two times per year, with alterations to the schedule possible if we have either too few or too many books available. Applications for the fall 2010 cycle will not be accepted until a new application form is posted on this website. We announce the beginning of each cycle via the REF e-newsletter mailing list; click here to subscribe.

How many books can I apply for?

We will offer a maximum of 200 books per application.

Application Criteria

Special consideration is given to projects that promote literacy creatively, using parental or community involvement, and those that can demonstrate impact on students. Applicants must agree to allow REF to work with them to evaluate each project. For librarians, criteria for donations will focus on need and book donor preference, for example private donors who specify books to be donated on a specific topic.

How do I know what books are available?

Most of the books available are books we have received as donations or ordered through grant funding. Many multiple-copy books are available. REF will order specific books if needed and if funding is available during that particular grant cycle. Grant recipients must come to our office to pick books up.

How many books are available?

We are typically able to donate over 2,000 new books in each cycle of the Teachers' Choice process.