The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Zeta Eta Omega Chapter will kick off Reading is Fun Week on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

The event will feature free books. Children will be able to meet favorite book characters and enjoy puppet shows — all part of Reading is Fundamental.

“Locally, the RIF program has been a rewarding experience for the over 10,000 children served by RIF and the more than 30 RIF volunteers who do whatever it takes to make a difference,” said Nancy Sewell, RIF coordinator. “We are about developing strong reading skills that are pertinent to our children’s later success in school, in work and in life. We are pleased to have the support of the City of Selma, Dallas County Commissioners and Selma’s Digital Divide AmeriCorps in helping to raise a community of readers.”

The AKAs have sponsored a RIF event in Selma since 1996.

Juanda Maxwell, president of AKA, said the sorority wants the young people and community to come out to the kick-off and sites. This is a free gift to the community.

“Reading has long been proven to increase academic performance and during the summer children need more choices and having books given to them benefits the whole family and is an alternative to video games,” she said.

Studies have proven children who read more read better. The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress testing data shows that many children are not reading well enough to succeed in school.

Reading Is Fun Days encourage children to read more by mobilizing parents, teachers, and community members in a three-day celebration of reading.

Other events set for this week’s celebration include:

Brown Y.M.C.A., 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 7

Walker-Johnson Y.M.C.A., 2:30-4:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 8

Selma Youth Development Center, Thursday, July 9

Pal Center Lunsford Gym, 11 a.m., Thursday, July 9