Free books available March 8-9, 2025!
Registration opens in February.
Follow us on Social Media @projectcicerobookdrive for updates.
Teacher FAQ
Q: Who is eligible to register for and attend Project Cicero?
A: New York City public school teachers who teach in schools that qualify for Title 1 benefits. Attendance is free, the books are free. Teachers from parochial and independent schools are NOT eligible to attend Project Cicero.
Q: When can you attend Project Cicero to collect books for your classroom?
A: There will be one-hour time slots available. Registration is required via Eventbrite. Book are restocked for every session. There is no advantage to any time slot.
Q: What types of books does Project Cicero provide?
A: We collect gently used or new books from board books and early readers to High School level. We also receive brand new publisher books. The distribution site is organized by book categories: Picture books, Early reader, Chapter books, High School fiction and subject tables of History/Biography/Social Studies, Reference books, Foreign language, Arts/Poetry/Drama/Music, Reading/Writing instructions and STEM. Books are restocked every session, so you will find a fresh assortment of wonderful books no matter which session you attend.
Q: Where is the Project Cicero distribution site?
A: The Starrett-Lehigh Building – 601 West 26th Street in Manhattan.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Street parking is often available nearby on weekends, though we cannot guarantee parking availability. Several parking garages are located in the surrounding area. We will have volunteers on hand to help load cars at the entrance. We often have extra full boxes of books we can put directly into the car for you.
Q: Can I get to the Starrett-Lehigh Building via public transportation?
A: Several trains and buses stop within a 5 to 10-minute walk of 601 West 26th Street. We advise Googling directions and checking the MTA website to ensure up-to-date transit information.
Q: Will there be fewer books available if I have a time slot on Sunday rather than Saturday?
A: Every time slot is a good time slot. We replenish our selection of books before each session begins. Every teacher in every session has the same opportunity to select extraordinary books.
Q: Can I also volunteer and not just pick up books?
A: Yes, please! We welcome and encourage teacher volunteers. Please sign up via our volunteer registration site for a volunteer time slot.