October 2026

There's no doubt about it!

BOOKS BRING OUT THE STARS!

Our 2026 fundraising campaign -- Books Bring Out the Stars -- is launching to fund books for Northern Virginia children. And YOU can have a starring role in our efforts to provide books for kids like these!

Your support opens the door to a world of possibilities. With book prices rising and local programs for children facing cuts, RIF NOVA has launched its campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $100,000. This funding will provide books and motivational learning experiences this academic year to more than 20,000 local children, many of whom have few or no books at home. So just imagine...

...walking into a RIF NOVA school like Arlington's Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary and seeing children sitting beside a cozy "fire" listening to seasonal stories, watching real snow fall from a snow machine, and choosing books to take home to enjoy again and again.

...or visiting Alexandria's James K. Polk Elementary where children listened to stories of pioneering female aviators, designed and flew their own paper airplanes, and explored the science of flight -- all while connecting the excitement of discovery with the power of reading.

Your gift brings RIF NOVA programs to life!

For more than 54 years, RIF NOVA has put free, high-quality books into the hands of children in Title I schools and early childhood learning centers throughout Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties and the city of Alexandria. Because RIF NOVA is an all-volunteer organization, your gift goes directly to the children. Every $4 you give supports our four programs:

Books for Keeps: Helps children build personal home libraries, bringing stories into the lives of entire families as siblings, parents, and grandparents read and share books together.

Authors in Our Schools: Connects children directly with authors and illustrators, bringing stories to life and inspiring the next generation of readers, storytellers, and writers.

STEAM It Up!: Pairs hands-on STEM activities with high-quality books, strengthening vocabulary and showing children how reading fuels exploration, creativity, and innovation.

Donated Books: Expands access to reading by distributing thousands of additional books through schools and community partners.

Book distributions in the first two weeks of October alone generated moments like these at the Falls Church McLean Children's Center and the Beatley Library's Hispanic Heritage Fiesta! But these are more than memorable events. They are opportunities for children to discover new interests, build confidence, and imagine what they might become. Your generosity helps make the magic happen with books that spark curiosity and open the door to bigger dreams.

Be a STAR and Change a Child's Future!

A 2026 study on access to print found that children who received books to build their home libraries made learning gains equivalent to as much as two-thirds of a typical school year! That's IMPACT!!!

So don't wait! Make a difference NOW by donating electronically or via check. Consider increasing your previous contributions to help meet this growing need. Be a STAR in our Northern Virginia community and help kids shine!

Donate electronically by clicking here or by check to our address:

RIF NOVA -- Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc. 

P.O. Box 7012

Arlington, VA 22207-0012

We welcome donations from Donor Advised Funds. Find us by our EIN # 51-0155758. All donations are fully tax-deductible. RIF NOVA is proud to be a top-rated 501(c)(3) U.S. nonprofit.

Books change lives!

RIF NOVA * www.rifnova.org * 703-528-3763 * info@rifnova.org

STAY CONNECTED