Program success stories

Reinvigorating Reading Spaces for Elementary School Students in Atlanta

RIF joined forces with Amazon to create an inspiring new reading corner at Dobbs Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia. The refreshed space features cozy new furniture, a colorful mural painted by a local artist, and newly added library books to reignite excitement for reading. Students also received books to take home and keep, extending the joy of literacy beyond school walls. Designed to encourage both relaxation and discovery, the new reading corner has quickly become a favorite space where students can dive into stories and foster a lifelong love of learning.

I just wanted to share how much we’re enjoying our new reading corner — it’s a huge hit! Visiting Media Specialists have given the space rave reviews, and our students and staff absolutely love it. Thank you again for this wonderful gift. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our school community! We love the mural and reading corner so much, it has become our morning news backdrop. No more green screen!

- Dr. Tommy Tyson, Media Specialist/Communication Ambassador, Dobbs Elementary School, GA

Supporting Young Readers in Alabama with our Friends at International Paper

Through Reading Is Fundamental’s Book Celebration Events, volunteers from International Paper helped bring the joy of reading to more than 18,700 students nationwide, including 12 first-grade students at ABC Elementary School in Alberta, Alabama. A longtime friend of RIF, International Paper played a vital role in connecting students with free books to own and enjoy. Events like the one at ABC Elementary give children opportunities to celebrate stories, participate in read-alouds, and experience the excitement of choosing their very own book to take home.

It was a fantastic Friday at ABC Elementary School! On April 25, 2025, Kindergarten through Third Grade students received free books during our Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) book celebration. The theme for the event was ‘Get Your Hands on a Good Book: Grab a Good Book.’ Students participated in a read-aloud with Reading Interventionist Rebecca Jones, facilitated by Local Reading Specialist Cynthia Pettway. They also received treat bags as a reward for their active participation.

- Constance Beasley, 2^nd Grade Educator

Building a Culture of Literacy Across Mississippi Through Skybrary, RIF’s reading app

During the 2024-2025 school year, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) inspired a love of reading across Mississippi by engaging more than 36,000 elementary students through its digital library, Skybrary. This infusion of eBooks and literacy resources provided critical access to reading experiences for children across the state. These eBooks, educational virtual field trip videos, and accompanying resources strengthened students’ reading development and helped foster a culture of literacy both in the classroom and at home. 

Thank you again for allowing our students the opportunity to benefit from this innovative approach to develop JOY for reading! Students were able to all utilize Skybrary this week and it was effective for all of our Kinder through 4th grade students. I think this is a great teaching tool for students. I like that it was interactive and engaging. It allowed students to explore different genres and text in a fun way. I liked that they could read to themselves or have a story read to them. They really enjoyed the short videos and games that accompany each book.

Overall, it was very entertaining for my students. The app keeps them actively engaged. Thank you again for helping me set this up.

- Beckie Nieman, Librarian/Media Center Specialist, North Pike Elementary, MS