They're late! They're late! For a very important date ... at their library.

First graders in the North Penn School District were taken to Storyland by Alice of "Alice in Wonderland," whose trip down the rabbit hole Wednesday at North Penn High School involved interactions with The White Rabbit, Arthur, Corduroy, Prince Charming, Little Critter, Officer Buckle, Tacky Penguin, Henry and Mudge, George and Martha, Officer Buckle and Winnie the Pooh.

Characters from popular children's books make up the essence of the 21st annual program.  "Alice Takes North Penn to Storyland" has been the theme for each of those 21 years. Overall, RIF is celebrated in about 200 schools in Pennsylvania.

The RIF event in North Penn is made possible by contributions from UGI. UGI has given out more than 1 million books to North Penn students in the past 20 years.

There are three book distributions throughout the school year for first graders. The first two are in the fall and spring. The RIF event on Wednesday is the third and final one. 

Books are provided at no cost to students, and each student selects his or her own book.

Each school promotes reading in their school in a distinct way, usually by selecting a character theme for the distributions. Activities are also part of the reading effort, which range from carnivals and skits to scavenger hunts.

According to a spokesperson from North Penn, RIF is funded through federal or private funds. North Penn’s RIF program is funded partially through district funds and partially and privately by UGI.

There is an annual proposal to maintain involvement with RIF.

According to the district, here are the requirements for RIF:

• Minimum of 3 book distributions
• Provide reading motivation activities
• Inform and involve parents
• Form a book selection team
• Serve all students equally
• Let children have some choice when choosing books
• Provide a variety of books
• Keep within price limits
• Order books only from qualified RIF suppliers
• Submit book distribution reports/ performance reports

Check out our photos from the 21st RIF event!