Be Book Smart! A Literacy Campaign to support

What is “Be Book Smart”?

RIF has partnered with Macy’s to create Be Book Smart (formerly known as Book A Brighter Future), a national partnership to raise awareness and support of children’s literacy. This effort will help RIF provide free books and literacy resources to children nationwide, while expanding RIF’s outreach to the children at greatest risk for developing reading difficulties. This campaign provides an opportunity for Macy’s customers to join the effort and have an impact on literacy in their community. From June 24–July 31, 2011, Macy’s customers can give $3 to provide a book for a child and receive a coupon for$10 off* a $50 in-store purchase at any Macy’s nationwide. Macy’s will give 100% of every $3 to RIF to help reach our goal of giving 1 million books to kids.

Why Support the Campaign

Reason #1: By supporting RIF at Macy’s, you are helping provide free books and literacy resources to children who need them most. All children need access to books and to be exposed to reading at an early age to prepare for success in school and life.

Reason #2: Macy’s will thank you with a $10 off coupon* valid on eligible purchases of $50 or more!

RIF’s Impact

With more than 17,000 program locations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, RIF is making a difference for millions of children. Visit our interactive map to see our impact by state and to view videos that tell the "Heart of the Story."

A recent analysis of reading research confirmed the impact of RIF's core mission—that simply improving access to books improves children’s reading performance, helps children learn the basics of reading, results in children reading more and for longer lengths of time, and improves children's attitudes toward reading and learning. Please review our summaries of the critical literacy issues and our quick reference guide of recent literacy statistics, both of which illustrate the challenges RIF faces in creating a literate America.

Who Can Participate

Anyone and everyone! Last year, over 1 million Macy’s customers participated to raise more than $3 million to support RIF programs and initiatives. This was the largest customer-supported campaign in RIF’s 44-year history! Anyone who visits a Macy’s store during this summer can ask to Be Book Smart and support RIF at any in-store Macy’s register.