Reading is Fundamental
In 2006, Book’em joined forces with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children's literacy organization in the United States. Today, Book’em administers the RIF program in 16 Title I Metro Nashville elementary schools and is working to be able to serve more schools in the future. Each classroom is visited by a volunteer reader five times throughout the school year, during which the reader engages the students through interactive reading. At the end of each visit, students each pick their own book to keep and enjoy at home. Each child ends the school year with five new books in their home library, a relationship with a reading role model, and (we hope!) a re-energized love of books and reading.
Locally, the RIF program now serves over 4,000 children a year through a network of more than 300 reading role model volunteers, distributing 18,000+ books annually. If you are interested in becoming a reading volunteer, please fill out a volunteer application and we will contact you as spaces become available.
Click here to view these schools on our RIF map!
If you are a school that is interested in being added to our RIF waiting list or would like to learn more about the program, please email Jocelyn at jocelyn@bookem-kids.org.
Introducing...RIF Virtual!
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Book'em has adapted the RIF program to continue operating virtually for the 2020-21 school year. Books and reading role models are more important than ever right now in encouraging students to stay engaged with learning while not in the classroom. We are committed to helping keep kids reading no matter what, and are excited to be able to offer this valuable experience virtually.
While we are not currently recruiting RIF Virtual volunteers for the 2020-21 school year, please fill out our volunteer application if you are interested in virtual read aloud opportunities in the future. For questions and more information about the RIF program, email Jocelyn at jocelyn@bookem-kids.org.
