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Celebrating 60 Years of Reading Is Fundamental

In 2026, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) will commemorate six decades of supporting and enhancing children's literacy across the United States. Founded in 1966, RIF has transitioned from a local initiative to a powerful national movement, distributing over 430 million books and inspiring generations of readers. This anniversary comes at a crucial juncture in education, particularly as students grapple with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) points to significant declines in reading proficiency among fourth and eighth graders, highlighting the urgency of RIF's mission. The reality is that parents are reading less aloud to their children, making the role of organizations like RIF more essential than ever. To adapt to these challenges, RIF is innovating its approach, focusing on multi-channel strategies that enhance accessibility, engagement, and equity in literacy for all children.

A Vision for the Future: Innovation in Literacy

RIF's strategic transformation includes a shift from traditional methods of book distribution to a comprehensive literacy ecosystem. This aims to provide support for young readers regardless of their environment—be it home, school, community programs, or online settings.

At the forefront of this evolution is Skybrary, RIF’s award-winning digital reading app, which has recently gained recognition as Apple’s “App of the Day.” This innovative platform offers children free access to a rich library of high-quality eBooks, effectively redefining screen time as productive reading time. Skybrary ensures that the joy of reading reaches children in familiar digital spaces, further promoting literacy in today’s tech-savvy world. While currently available on the Apple App Store, it’s also set to launch on Google Play Store and Amazon App Store.

Empowering Young Readers with Comprehensive Programs

RIF continues to enhance its traditional print-based initiatives. Their marquee program, Books for Ownership, has been revamped to include middle school students, an age group particularly affected by literacy gaps following the pandemic. Additionally, the Read for Success program has been expanded to cater to early childhood education, emphasizing a play-based approach that builds foundational literacy skills from the earliest years of a child's life.

These platforms collectively ensure that children not only gain access to books of their choice but also experience content that resonates with them culturally and personally.

Creating Diverse Content: A New Chapter in Literacy

Recognizing the importance of representation in education, RIF has made strides in diversifying its content through the acquisition of August House Publishers. This respected independent publisher specializes in multicultural folktales and stories that reflect various global traditions. This acquisition ensures that children can enjoy inclusive and engaging narratives that are essential for their learning and identity development.

To further support its mission, RIF has launched the Reading Inspires podcast, which engages various stakeholders—educators, authors, families, and literacy advocates—to explore the impact of reading and share their personal stories and insights.

Call to Action: Join the Movement

As Alicia Levi, President and CEO of RIF, emphasizes, “in celebrating 60 years, we are not just honoring our past but are redefining our future efforts in children’s literacy.” RIF is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to become a lifelong reader. This ongoing mission calls for a collective effort from families, educators, and communities alike.

Jack Remondi, Chair of RIF's Board of Directors, adds depth to this sentiment, stating that the 60th anniversary is not simply a celebration; it serves as a rallying point for innovative solutions that support children, families, and educators nationwide.

Throughout this anniversary year, RIF plans to launch numerous initiatives that respect its history, celebrate its supporters, and showcase the innovative programs shaping its future. Interested parties are encouraged to celebrate with RIF by visiting RIF.org/60.

About Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental is dedicated to inspiring the joy of reading among children, which positions them as skilled readers prepared for future success. Over its 60 years, RIF has touched the lives of more than 212 million children, supplying over 430 million books and vital reading resources. For more information about RIF and to celebrate this important milestone, explore their initiatives at RIF.org/60.