Local organizations have come together to make reading fun for children this summer.

A Reading is Fun Day will allow children to take home a book free of charge.

Local organizations have aligned to send children and families home with a great book to call their own.

The event will kickoff Saturday at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ivy Pearl Center, which is located at 515 Bell Road.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Zeta Eta Omega Chapter with help from the Dallas County Commission, Selma City Council and AmeriCorps will host the day.

About 800 to 1,000 books were ordered from companies like the Scholastic Corporation for this weekend’s event.

“We’re giving out books to read on all grade and age levels,” said Melinda Page, who is chairwoman for the event. “At the distribution, we’re going to focus on: Reading is safe. Reading is healthy. Reading is fun.”

Different civic leaders and first responders will be on hand to read to children.

“They’re going to read them a story, and we’ll allow them to come and pick up a book,” she said. “It’s not just children, everyone reads.”

The Selma RIF coordinator happens to be a librarian. Nancy Sewell said she knows the attendees will enjoy the stories and books they’ll take home.

“I love books. I’ve earned my living off books,” she said. “As a librarian of over 40 years, it’s just part of me. Reading is the key to opening the doors of knowledge.”