OUR HISTORY
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) is the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit children’s literacy organization. RIF was founded in 1966 by former teacher Margaret McNamara. She discovered that children she was tutoring in Washington, D. C., had never owned any books and decided to bring some used books for them. When Mrs. McNamara told the children they could choose a book of their own, their delight and astonishment led her to conclude that they, and other children, had never known the excitement of owning a brand new book. She knew then it was time to find a way to provide new books to other students like hers.
OUR VISION
A literate America in which all children have access to books and discover the joys and value of reading.
OUR MISSION
To motivate young children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8.
OUR IMPACT
Magic happens when you give books to children: eyes sparkle, smiles emerge, and imagination comes alive. That’s the mission embraced by RIF—to motivate children to have a lifelong, life-changing love of reading. This ignites a hunger for knowledge and a passion for learning.
To learn more about the national book distribution program, go to www.rif.org.