In Chicago
There is no more important skill a child can acquire than the ability to read with ease and
accuracy.  In our increasingly technological world, illiteracy is a serious barrier to
success as an adult.  For many children, the beginning of a lifelong love of reading is
the first brand new book they can call their own.

Since 1972, RIF in Chicago has pursued that mission by distributing over three and a
half million books to inner city children through a network which now includes 82 Chicago
public schools.  During the 2008-2009 school year, RIF in Chicago will distribute more
than 199,000 books.

RIF students come from varied ethnic backgrounds, but they share one common
problem: poverty-line family income, making the purchase of children’s books difficult.
RIF provides them free. RIF in Chicago reaches 60,000 children per year with a staff of
four, assisted by an active network of parent volunteers in participating schools.
Executive Director
Evan Georgi
Email Evan
(708) 437 - 2733
Program Coordinator
Sheree Mayfield
Email Sheree
(708) 437 - 2734
Reading Is Fundamental