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

REF has donated more than 27,000 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.

Teachers' 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 November 4, 2011.

Forty-one educators will receive books in 2011-2012 through the Teachers' Choice process. They are listed here:
      Teachers' Choice Recipients

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 offer another application process in the Fall of 2012. 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, use parental or community involvement, and those that can demonstrate impact on students. Applicants must agree to participate in REF's evaluation process.

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. Grant recipients must come to our office to pick books up.

How many books are available?

We will be donating up to 5,000 new books through the application process in the 2011-2012 school year.