First 5 San Bernardino hosts weeklong ‘Gift a Kid a Book’ free bundle giveaway

Children’s books with colorful bows under a Christmas tree. — Each bundle includes five books, a backpack, bookmark and a brand-new 2026 wall calendar for families. Bundles are available at the First 5 main office, beginning Monday, Dec. 15. through Friday, Dec. 19.

First 5 San Bernardino is encouraging parents and caregivers to Gift a Kid a Book by picking up a free book bundle for the holiday season this year. As part of the Gift a Kid a Book campaign, families are invited to visit the First 5 San Bernardino office, beginning Monday, Dec. 15, through Friday, Dec. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the free book bundle pickup.

Each bundle includes five books, a backpack, bookmark and a brand-new 2026 wall calendar for families. Children are requested to be present to choose their books and feel the excitement of selecting their very own stories. It’s a joyful part of the experience!

“Reading builds stronger brains, inspires imagination and strengthens family connections,” said Karen Scott, executive director at First 5 San Bernardino. “There is no better time than the holiday season to spread the love of reading, and we are thrilled to give back to our community through this book bundle giveaway.”

Since launching in 2022, the Gift a Kid a Book campaign has provided nearly 15,000 books to families across San Bernardino County, reinforcing the importance of early literacy and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Most recently, over 800 parents, caregivers and their children took home 2,000 free books on Nov. 15 from First 5 San Bernardino’s Gift a Kid a Book Community Fair in partnership with the San Bernardino County Museum. At the event, local families chose books from a pop-up bookstore, enjoyed story time, museum entry, live entertainment and more — all courtesy of First 5 San Bernardino. Watch the recap video to see more.

The free book bundles are available while supplies last andparents and caregivers are encouraged to make books their go-to gifts for all of life’s milestones, such as birthdays and eating veggies to the holiday season and beyond — books last a lifetime!

First 5 San Bernardino is located at 735 E. Carnegie Dr., #150, in San Bernardino. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and closed on holidays. To explore age-appropriate book recommendations and literacy resources, visit first5sanbernardino.org/reading.

Additional County Update News – December 11