Blog Posts

Celebrating Literacy at the MLA Conference

There’s something incredibly motivating about being surrounded by people who care deeply about helping children learn, grow, and discover a love of reading. 

That’s exactly what I experienced while attending the Maryland Library Association (MLA) Conference as an exhibitor representing Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). Throughout the conference, I connected with librarians, educators, media specialists, and district leaders; all bringing thoughtful ideas, creative programs, and a clear passion for supporting young readers.  

While I arrived excited to share RIF’s literacy resources and programs, I left equally inspired by the conversations I had with the people doing this work every day in schools and libraries. 

Conversations That Matter 

At the RIF booth, many of our conversations centered around student engagement and the challenge of keeping reading exciting and accessible for children year-round. 

We talked about Skybrary, RIF’s trusted children’s reading app, and RIF’s Summer Camp, each containing resources designed to help children maintain positive reading habits when school is out. 

But what stood out most to me was hearing directly from librarians about the needs they’re seeing in their communities. Some shared how they are helping families access books outside traditional school settings, while others discussed creating welcoming spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, and choice. 

Those conversations were a reminder that the most impactful programs are often rooted in relationships, trust, and a deep understanding of the communities being served.  

What Library Partnerships Mean to RIF 

At RIF, partnerships with libraries and educators are an essential part of how we reach children and families. 

Libraries create spaces where children can explore reading on their own terms and where families can access resources that support learning beyond the classroom. Librarians know how to engage readers, support students, and ensure that children have access to books regardless of circumstance.  

That’s why opportunities like the MLA Conference matter so much to us. They allow us to connect directly with the people who know their communities best and who are helping shape positive reading experiences for children every day.  

At RIF, we see those efforts firsthand through the partnerships we build with schools, libraries, and community organizations across the country. Whether it’s through summer reading initiatives, family engagement programs, book access efforts, or digital literacy resources like Skybrary, collaboration is what helps literacy programs truly make an impact. 

Supporting the People Behind the Reading Journey  

One of the most meaningful parts of attending MLA was being reminded that literacy work is deeply personal. 

Behind every reading initiative, library program, and student success story are educators and librarians who care deeply about helping children grow with confidence. Throughout the conference, I met professionals who are constantly thinking about how to better serve their communities: how to make reading more engaging, more accessible, and more inclusive for every child who walks through their doors. 

Those conversations are important to us at RIF because they help us better understand the real experiences of students, families, and educators. They also reinforce something we strongly believe: creating lifelong readers takes both resources and relationships. 

From family literacy nights to curated book collections to community-centered programming, the work of literacy leaders reaches far beyond library walls. They are building literacy-rich environments that help children grow not only as readers, but also as learners and confident individuals. 

Leaving Inspired 

The Maryland Library Association Conference was a powerful reminder that literacy work is deeply collaborative. Real impact happens when educators, librarians, nonprofits, and community leaders come together with a shared commitment to supporting children. 

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped by the RIF booth to share ideas, experiences, and insights. 

Most of all, I’m grateful for librarians and educators who continue to champion literacy in their communities every single day. At RIF, we’re proud to support and partner with them in helping children discover the confidence, opportunity, and joy that reading can bring.