According to the National Literacy Trust, one in eight children aged five to eight years old does not have a book of their own. For over 50 years, Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia has worked to combat this by providing children with free, high-quality books to make reading a fun and meaningful part of their lives.
“One book can make a difference in the life of a child, and a home library can make an even bigger difference,” said Lisa Keathley, communications chair for RIF NOVA.
RIF NOVA is an all-volunteer organization that works with school liaisons to distribute books to over 23,000 children in the city of Alexandria and Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties.
Building home libraries for all
The Books for Keeps Program is RIF NOVA’s primary activity, distributing books to students throughout the academic school year through celebratory events with fun themes and activities to make reading fun.
RIF NOVA also collects new and very gently used books through its Donated Books Program. In this program, donations are collected, sorted, and regifted to children without access to schools or libraries. Since the program’s inception, it has collected nearly 50,000 books.
“Giving a child a book and that child looks at you and says, ‘this is for me?’ Keathley said. “They are incredulous that somebody cared enough to give them a book. That is so rewarding.”
In 2022, RIF NOVA received a grant from David and Michelle Baldacci and started the Author in Our Schools Program. This multi-year program brings authors and illustrators to participating schools, allowing students to learn about writing and spark curiosity in reading.
“When a child sees a book and meets an author who looks like [them], it makes such a difference,” Keathley said. “They realize that their stories matter too.”
Book It for Books
On October 25, 2025, RIF NOVA will be hosting its 6th biannual Book It for Books Race at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Virginia. There are a variety of race options and pricing tiers for participants, including:
- One mile: $35
- One mile, youth 12 and under: $15
- 5k: $40
- 5k, youth 12 and under: $15
- 10k: $45
- Virtual race, which can be registered for here.
Note: rates will increase by five dollars for day of registration.
The event will feature a large selection of books available for students to take home, face painting and music provided by Vienna’s School of Rock. The emcee, NBC4’s Ted Oberg and RIF NOVA’s mascot, Clifford the Big Red Dog, will also be there to cheer on the crowd.
Due to RIF NOVA’s loss of federal funding, the organization has to rely on fundraising to continue its efforts. Every dollar raised at the Book It for Books event goes right back to the students.
As the school year continues, RIF NOVA hopes that more people will understand how much power society holds to empower children with books.
“Books can inspire children to think beyond their four walls, and we can make this happen for the children we serve,” Keathley said. “It’s a small thing, but it’s a small thing with a big impact.”
For more information on RIF NOVA, visit its website. You can get involved by volunteering, donating books and supporting financially.
What a wonderful article! Reading is Fundamental of Northern VA does such important work!! Thank you for covering this!