Friday, March 07, 2008

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Needs Our Help!

Most NTRLS-area libraries have been recipients of books distributed by First Book, a nonprofit organization with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books.

Now the president of that organization has sent this message, asking for our help.

"Reading is Fundamental (RIF), a national nonprofit literacy organization and a good friend of First Book, needs your help. The President's proposed fiscal year 2009 budget eliminates the RIF Book Distribution Program. Unless Congress reinstates funding for this program, RIF will be unable to distribute 16 million books annually to the nation's youngest and most at-risk children.

"While RIF is hard at work demonstrating to Congress the importance of reinstating their program's funding, they need the help of all of us who believe in the power of books in the lives of children. We urge all of the First Book community to reach out to their members of Congress to request the reinstatement of RIF funding. Your voice, as a constituent, is the most important resource we have to make sure that Congress protects this critical program.

"Please act now and help RIF build support for reinstating the funding by sending an e-mail to your members of Congress. Ask them to support the reinstatement of RIF's funding in the coming budget process.

"We hope you will share this message with family, friends and colleagues who could also contact members of Congress. Thank you for your support as First Book and RIF work to bring new books and resources to the kids
who need them most!"

Sincerely,
Kyle Zimmer
President
First Book
staff@firstbook.org

Note: Visit http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ for names and contact information of your own representatives.

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