Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental. It is the oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization in the United States. Founded by a dedicated teacher, its core mission is to inspire a passion for reading by providing free books and literacy resources to children from underserved communities. For over five decades, the organization has operated on the fundamental belief that owning books is transformative for a child's future.

History and founding

The organization was founded on November 3, 1966, by Margaret McNamara, a former teacher and wife of then-Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Her inspiration came from tutoring children in Washington, D.C., where she observed that many students lacked access to books of their own. She began by distributing used books from a station wagon parked at Browne Junior High School. This grassroots effort quickly garnered support, and by 1967, the initiative was formally incorporated. Early backing from influential figures, including Lady Bird Johnson, helped establish its national profile. A significant milestone was reached in 1975 when President Gerald Ford signed legislation creating a federally funded grant program specifically for the organization, cementing its role in national literacy efforts.

Mission and programs

The central mission is to motivate young children to read by delivering free books and supporting essential literacy resources. Its flagship program, **Books for Ownership**, provides students with the opportunity to select new, high-quality books to build personal libraries. The **Literacy Central** online platform offers educators and families thousands of digital resources, including lesson plans and activities tied to popular children's literature. Seasonal campaigns, such as the annual **Read Across America** celebration in partnership with the National Education Association, and holiday book distributions, are key programmatic pillars. The organization also develops specialized content and book collections to support Social-emotional learning and STEM education, ensuring resources meet evolving educational needs.

Impact and reach

Since its founding, the organization has distributed over 420 million books to more than 40 million children across all 50 states and several territories, including Guam and Puerto Rico. It operates through a network of thousands of schools, Head Start programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other community-based organizations. Research, including studies by Learning Point Associates, has demonstrated that its book distribution and literacy activities significantly improve children's attitudes toward reading and their home literacy environments. The focus on reaching children in Title I schools and in communities with high poverty rates ensures resources are directed where the need is greatest, aiming to combat the "summer slide" and close achievement gaps.

Partnerships and funding

The organization sustains its work through a diverse mix of corporate, governmental, and philanthropic partnerships. Major corporate supporters have included Macy's (through its annual "Be Book Smart" campaign), The Coca-Cola Company, and Old Navy. It has also received longstanding support from foundations such as the Anne Ray Foundation and the Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! Program. The federal grant program established in 1975, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, provided critical core funding for decades, though the organization now relies more heavily on private sector support. Collaborations with publishers like Penguin Random House and Scholastic Corporation ensure access to a wide array of children's titles at reduced cost.

Recognition and awards

The organization's contributions to literacy have been widely recognized. It has received multiple honors from the American Library Association and the National Book Foundation. In 1986, it was honored with a commemorative postage stamp by the United States Postal Service. Influential figures from various fields, including actress and author Julie Andrews and journalist Al Roker, have served as longtime ambassadors and board members. The organization's founder, Margaret McNamara, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan for her pioneering work in promoting children's literacy.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Literacy organizations Category:Organizations established in 1966