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First Book ("we," "us," or "our") is dedicated to providing our Recipient Groups and supporters with an extraordinary level of service while respecting and protecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at www.firstbook.org, use the First Book Marketplace, or interact with our other online services (collectively, the "Site").
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our Site, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Site.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular consumer or device ("Personal Information"). We collect this information directly from you, automatically as you navigate through the Site, and from third parties.
1.1 Information You Provide to Us
•Account Information: When you register for a First Book account, we collect your name, email address, phone number, password, and information about the program or organization you represent ("Program Information").
•Transaction Information: When you make a purchase on the First Book Marketplace or make a donation, we collect billing details, shipping address, and payment information.
Note: Credit card and e-check information is processed securely by our third-party payment processors and is not stored directly on First Book's servers.
•Communication Data: When you contact us for support, participate in surveys, apply for grants, or sign up for newsletters, we collect the contents of those communications.
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
•Device and Usage Data: We automatically collect certain information about your device and how you interact with our Site, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and the dates/times of your visits.
•Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze Site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various purposes, including to:
•Provide and Improve Services: To process your registration, fulfill your Marketplace orders, process donations, and administer First Book programs such as the National Book Bank and Advisory Board grants.
•Communicate with You: To send transactional emails (e.g., order confirmations), respond to your inquiries, and send programmatic updates, volunteer opportunities, and promotional materials (subject to your opt-out rights).
•Personalize Your Experience: To tailor the content and information that we may send or display to you and personalize your experience while using the Site.
•Analytics and Operations: To understand how users access and use our Site, improve our services, and perform internal operations such as troubleshooting, data analysis, testing, and research.
•Security and Compliance: To protect the security and integrity of our Site, prevent fraud, and comply with legal obligations.
3. How We Share Your Information
First Book does not sell your Personal Information or Program Information to third parties for commercial or marketing purposes. We only share your information in the following limited circumstances:
•Service Providers: We may share information with third-party vendors, service providers, contractors, or agents who perform services for us or on our behalf (e.g., payment processing, order fulfillment, data analysis, email delivery, hosting services).
•Partners and Campaigns: We may provide limited information about your organization (such as name, mission statement, and city/state location) to First Book partners as part of a campaign that provides your organization with books or resources. We will not provide your exact location, point of contact, phone number, or email address to a third party without your prior consent.
•Aggregated or De-identified Data: We may share aggregated or anonymized demographic information (such as the total number of organizations or children served) with partners and the public to demonstrate the impact of our mission.
•Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with legal processes, protect our rights or property, or protect the safety of our users or the public.
4. Data Retention and Security
Data Retention: We retain your Personal Information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Financial records may be kept longer for auditing and tax purposes.
Security: We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures designed to protect your Personal Information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no internet or email transmission is ever fully secure or error-free. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account password.
5. Your Privacy Choices and Rights
5.1 Opting Out of Communications
You have the right to opt-out of receiving promotional email communications from First Book at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of our emails. Even if you opt-out, we may still send non-promotional messages regarding your account or orders.
5.2 Accessing and Updating Your Information
You may view, update, or correct your Personal Information and Program Information at any time by logging into your First Book account.
5.3 State Privacy Rights (CCPA / CPRA / VCDPA / CPA)
•The right to know what Personal Information we collect, use, and disclose.
•The right to request deletion of your Personal Information.
•The right to correct inaccurate Personal Information.
•The right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of Personal Information (First Book does not sell your Personal Information).
•The right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 9.
5.4 European Economic Area (EEA) and UK Residents (GDPR)
If you are located in the EEA or UK, you have rights under GDPR including the right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data, restrict or object to processing, and the right to data portability.
6. Children's Privacy (COPPA)
First Book's Site and services are intended for adults (educators, program administrators, donors, and volunteers). We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under the age of 13.
7. Third-Party Links
Our Site may contain links to external websites not operated by us. We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of every site you visit.
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
First Book Attn: Privacy Matters 1319 F St., NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20004
