RIF NOVA — Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc. — is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping every child become a confident, lifelong reader.
For more than 50 years, we’ve partnered with schools, educators, volunteers, and community supporters to provide children in Title 1 elementary schools and child development centers across Northern Virginia with the books and literacy experiences they need to succeed.
Research continues to show that book ownership matters. In fact, a 5-year study released in 2026 showed that children’s reading improved when they had home libraries — no matter their economic circumstances. Find that study here for a more in-depth look.
Children who have books at home are more likely to read for enjoyment, build stronger literacy skills, and achieve greater academic success. That’s why we’re committed to helping children build their own home libraries with books they choose, take home, and keep forever.
Our mission comes to life through four core programs:
Books for Keeps gives students the opportunity to select and own new books throughout the school year.
Donated Books provides thousands of additional books through schools and community partners, helping even more children build home libraries.
Authors in Our Schools connects students with children’s authors and illustrators to inspire a love of reading and writing.
STEAM It Up! combines engaging, hands-on STEAM activities with high-quality books to spark curiosity and reinforce that reading is the foundation for learning.
As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on the generosity of our community. Whether you donate funds, books, or time, you help put books into the hands of children, strengthen home libraries, and inspire a lifelong love of reading — because books change lives.