Inspire the joy of reading. Create a lifetime of opportunity.

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) connects children with the joy of reading to spark imaginations and possibilities, putting kids on a path of reading proficiency. Because every child deserves the chance to succeed.

Join RIF to disrupt the literacy crisis

Reading Is Fundamental and our partners work to change the trajectory of the alarming U.S. literacy crisis, which creates barriers between our nation’s children and their opportunities.

View our solutions

25M

children in the U.S. cannot read proficiently.

61%

of U.S. children living at or below the poverty line have no books at home.

67%

of 4th graders read below grade level, setting them up for difficulty in school and beyond.

RIF in action

Since 1966, we’ve partnered with educators, families, and literacy advocates to change the trajectory of the literacy crisis. Check out the latest from RIF.

Holiday Matching Gift Challenge Starts Now

RIF’s Holiday matching gift challenge starts now! Donate now to give more books to more children during this holiday season.

Rally to Read 100: Celebrate the Joy of Giving

Join RIF’s fifth annual Rally to Read 100 and celebrate December’s Celebration theme! Explore inspiring read-alouds, engaging literacy activities, and our 100-book challenge—encouraging kids to discover the joy of generosity through stories. Keep reading alive this holiday season, one book at a time!

Illustration of preschool kids playing around a book

Tune In to RIF’s December Webinars!

Don’t miss RIF’s December webinars featuring dynamic discussions for educators and families. Learn how to engage young readers during the holidays and discover innovative literacy tools to take into the new year. All sessions are free and archived to watch anytime!

A Message of Thanks from RIF’s CEO

Read RIF President and CEO Alicia Levi’s Thanksgiving blog, reflecting on the power of gratitude and community in supporting children’s literacy. Discover how we’re shaping a brighter future through reading together.

Winter Days Book Collection

Cozy up with RIF’s Winter Days Collection, showcasing stories that capture the beauty and wonder of the season. Explore hand-picked titles and activities that will warm hearts and spark imaginations all winter long.

Illustration of a calendar with holiday elements

Season of Light Activity Calendar

Celebrate the season with RIF’s Season of Light Calendar! Explore festive reading activities for every day of December with downloadable resources that make literacy shine bright all month long.

RIF’s national impact

Designed by research, powered by joy

Our research-backed solutions, resources, and programs are created by literacy experts to ensure that kids develop a foundation for discovery, growth, and learning. In 2024 alone, we reached more than 25 million children with 9 million books and reading resources—both in person and online.

Meet our experts

Open the Door to Lifelong Reading with 100 Free Books on Skybrary!

Every child deserves great stories. RIF invites you to explore this world of diverse books and big adventures, available completely free to spark the joy of reading with RIF's reading app, Skybrary.

Browse Free Books

Latest news and stories

Learn how we’re making a measurable impact for children in communities like yours.

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Press and articles

Check out RIF’s programs, events, and campaigns making news.

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astronaut reading book aloud at RIF event

Blog

Read on for thoughts from RIF staff and special guests on a variety of timely reading topics.

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Podcasts

Hear from RIF leadership and community on the literacy landscape and the impact we’re making.

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