Reading Is Fundamental

Research has shown that children who spontaneously learn to read early come from families where there are books, where they are read to often, and where adults engage in literacy activities. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children. The National Research Council suggests that the best time to start sharing books with children is during infancy, even when babies are as young as six weeks old.

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most.

Founded in 1966, RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through a national, grassroots network of community volunteers at 21,000 program sites, RIF provides 5 million children with 17 million new, free books and literacy resources each year.

All RIF programs combine three essential elements to foster children's literacy: reading motivation, family and community involvement, and the excitement of choosing free books to keep.

RIF's accomplishments are due in part to the generous support of the U.S. Department of Education, corporations, foundations, community organizations, and thousands of individuals like you.

GRCMA Early Childhood Directions sponsors "The Race for Reading" Kentucky Derby event each year in order to raise funds to assist in our mission to provide free books and literacy resources to the South West Alabama community. The gracious support of event sponsors and attendees has allowed us to continue distributing books to children and child care centers throughout the region. If you would like information about the event, would be interested in sponsorship, or would like to attend, please call 251-473-1060.