Book Distribution Program Options
Page Ahead distributes through two programs, the Traditional Program and the Reading is Fundamental Project. Read on to decide which Page Ahead program is right for you.
The Traditional Program
- Books are generated from donations made to Page Ahead through book drives.
- Book titles are selected by Page Ahead to suit the children described in your application.
- If your program is located within a one-hour drive of Page Ahead's downtown Seattle office, you pick up your books from the office. (Refer to mapquest.com to verify distance.)
- If you are located further than one hour's driving distance from Page Ahead's downtown Seattle office, you receive your books by UPS. (Refer to mapquest.com to verify distance.)
- After the first book distribution, you send a selection of thank-you notes written by children and staff members to Page Ahead. These notes are sent to people who donate funds and books to Page Ahead as a touching and effective acknowledgment.
- You complete a feedback form once a year and return it to Page Ahead along with your application for the following year.
The Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Project
- Books are generated with the help of a federal program designed to promote reading. Under the terms of this program, your site will receive a quantity of books in addition to those approved by Page Ahead. These additional books are to ensure that each child has a choice.
- You form an on-site book ordering committee of at least three people to choose book titles from among a pre-selected list.
- You return your book order to Page Ahead. The books will be sent directly to your site.
- You distribute books at intervals no closer than one month.
- After the first book distribution, you send a selection of thank-you notes written by children and staff members to Page Ahead. These notes are sent to RIF and Page Ahead funders; they are a touching and effective acknowledgement.
- You complete and return a report to Page Ahead within one week of each book distribution.
- You complete and return a RIF feedback form to Page Ahead after all your books have been distributed. You also report on the status of books that may remain after all distributions are finished. You are free to use these books as reading incentives or for other classroom rewards. However, they must be distributed before your program ends for the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many book distributions should I request on my application?
- Organizations not receiving books from other sources may request up to three distributions per child from Page Ahead.
- Organizations receiving books from other sources may request distributions that, when combined with distributions from other sources, equal five. For example, an organization receiving three books per child from another source may apply for two book distributions from Page Ahead, for a combined total of five books per child.
If I participate in the RIF Project, how many books per child will I receive?
The number of books per child your organization will receive depends on the number of books you receive from other sources and on whether your program operates through the school year, year round, or during the summer.
- A school-year (9 month) program that receives zero or one book per child from other sources will receive three books per child.
- A year-round program that receives zero distributions from other sources will receive three - five books per child.
- A summer program that receives three or fewer distributions from other sources will receive two books per child.
Can I participate in both the RIF Project and the Traditional Program?
No, you must receive books from either the RIF Project or the Traditional Program.
Am I guaranteed to receive books through the program option I choose?
Most recipients receive books through their preferred option.
At a Glance: Finding the Program that's Right for You
| Traditional Program | RIF | |
|---|---|---|
| Book titles are selected by: | Page Ahead staff and volunteers | Your on-site committee |
| Books reach you: | We deliver or you pick up, depending on distance from our Seattle office | Delivered |
| Books are distributed to students at intervals: | Of your choice | Separated by at least one month |
| Book distribution reports are due: | Once a year | Three to four times a year |
| Thank-you letters from children are sent to Page Ahead: | After the first book distribution | After the first book distribution |
Questions?
Contact us if you have questions regarding the Partner Site Application or the Book Distribution Program.