"Some of us don't have books at home to read."

Letters like these inspire us to do more to put books into children's hands. We hope you are inspired, too -- and will become part of the Book Olympics team of supporters. Book Olympics is the 2024 fun- and fund-raiser that will help RIF NOVA continue the critical work of fostering literacy in the Northern Virginia community. And while the Summer Games have ended, the spirit of teamwork continues!

You can be part of the Book Olympics team!

How? Our most critical need is funding! We supply one new book each to 20,000 NOVA children through our Books for Keeps program. At $4.00 per book, that's a LOT of money to raise each year. Since "the only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home," donations to fund books for kids in our community can make a real difference! Click here to donate! (Thanks to those who have already given!)

Book Olympics also has a fun-raising component! Share your story about sports! It can be a personal story focusing on your own or a family member's athletic experience or a tribute to a real-life or fictional athlete you admire. In December, five winners will be chosen to receive a book store gift certificate. This page is waiting for YOU and your story! One of our supporters shared a story about her swimmer daughter's dedication to the sport! Read that story -- and many more -- by clicking here!

On the Line with Author Barbara Carroll Roberts

In keeping with our Book Olympics sports theme, our Celebrating Local Authors page features Northern Virginia author Barbara Carroll Roberts and her book, Nikki On the Line. In this middle grade novel, author Roberts tells the story of 13-year-old Nikki Doyle, a star point guard who moves up from her county team, where she was a star, to a higher level team -- where she is no longer the strongest player. Meet author Roberts and learn more about why she wrote a book about basketball that's about -- basketball!!!

Speaking of Authors...

Season two of RIF NOVA's Authors in our Schools program had a super launch -- Super YOU! to be exact! On October 16, author Hena Khan presented to fourth graders at Alexandria's Polk Elementary. The children listened eagerly as author Khan shared some of her own background as a Pakistani-American Muslim writer. She also offered words of advice about writing, particularly noting that, "Reading is the best way to become a better writer without even trying!" The author focused on her series of pick-your-path adventures where the reader can pick from among several choices to move the story along. Each child was gifted with an autographed copy of Super You! Power of Flight.

Who's Donating New/Used Books? Who's Getting Them?

Our Donate Books Program continues to solicit new and very gently used books from community members who COLLECT them in order to give them to community members who NEED them! Learn more about this program and how you can participate by clicking here. We are grateful to all book collectors who help us augment our ability to give more books to kids at schools and throughout the Northern Virginia community!

Lisa Keefer of Merrill Wealth Management organized a second RIF NOVA book drive at Merrill's NOVA offices in July, bringing in nearly 500 new and used books for RIF NOVA children.

"My name is Bella Lim, and I recently hosted a book drive in my neighborhood, where I raised over 530 books! I have always loved reading ever since I was little, and having a book drive for those who may not have access to books will share and spread the love for reading."

Tharren Clark is a stalwart giver of new books to RIF NOVA. His most recent shopping spree included fiction and non-fiction books on everything from serious sci-fi to graphic novels. 

Diane Hill asked for -- and received -- donated books from RIF NOVA for her Little Free Library. As she wrote, "My neighborhood is very diverse. I enjoy meeting young families when I happen to encounter them visiting my LFL...and always try to have plenty of children's books for early readers plus board books."

A beautiful October 4th afternoon drew children and families to the annual Falls Church McLean Children's Center for its annual fall festival. Clifford was there, too, as kids stuffed scarecrows, painted pumpkins, and picked books from the RIF NOVA donated book collection. As usual, it was a fun-for-all! Special thanks to RIF NOVA Young Ambassador McKenzie Watt for playing Clifford! More pics are here!

Your funds help with all these programs and MORE! In addition to online donations, below are some other ways to give!

Send a check:



Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc. 

P.O. Box 7012

Arlington, VA 22207-0012

From now through January 15, 2025, Federal employees and retirees can support RIF NOVA through the Combined Federal Campaign. We are #18818.

If you are required to take a distribution from your IRA, consider RIF NOVA for your RMD and reduce your taxes -- while benefiting local children at the same time! Learn more by clicking here.

Thank you for any donation -- no matter how big or small!

Thank you for being part of the RIF NOVA community!

Books change lives!

RIF of NOVA | info@rifnova.org | www.rifnova.org

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