Books for Keeps
RIF NOVA’s signature activity is our Books for Keeps program — to provide new books for 20,000+ children at over 30 schools and sites in the City of Alexandria and in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. Book distribution celebrations are arranged by school liaisons throughout the academic year, during which children can choose their own book — or books — to take home to keep and read and reread! Each book is a stepping stone to growing a home library — a key building block to reading success.
“Sink Your Teeth into a Good Book” at West Gate
The children of PWC’s West Gate Elementary got to “sink their teeth into a good book” during a June 8, 2026 book distribution — funded by a grant from the Heritage Hunt Giving Circle. The kids chose a brand new book, plus bookmarks and stickers with seaside scenes.
Field Day at Cora Kelly
Alexandria’s Cora Kelly Cougars had a field day on June 5, 2026 — both outside and inside! Outside, it was relay races, a bounce house, and soaker guns! Inside, it was picking two RIF NOVA books to read for the summer — with happy faces everywhere! Some readers could not wait to get started with their new reads!
A Pool Party at Arlington’s Even Start
Ahhh, summer … when there is nothing better than lounging by the pool with a good book! Arlington’s Even Start Family Literacy Program had a pool party on June 4, 2026 complete with a blowup pool, beach balls, and swim noodles! Children could settle into a beach chair with a new pair of sunglasses, a pool toy, and — thanks to a RIF / RIF NOVA matching grant, two new RIF NOVA books, plus two books for each of the siblings in their family. Could summer reading get any better than this? No sunscreen necessary!
“Splash into Summer with a Good Book” at Hutchison
Over a thousand students at Fairfax County’s Hutchison Elementary were able to “Splash into Summer with a Good Book” during the first week of June 2026 — thanks to a RIF / RIF NOVA matching grant. Activities included summer-themed coloring pages, songs, and bookmarks. What made the biggest “splash” for these Fairfax County students? Choosing a new book of their very own to take home for summer reading!
