Children had the opportunity to crack open a book and indulge in reading at a local event Saturday.

The Zeta Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. along with Women and Youth Service Center, volunteers from AmeriCorps, Selma City Council and the Dallas County Commission Office held a Reading is Fun Day event at the Women and Youth Service Center. The event provided participants with free books.

Books are needed more than ever before, said Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., chapter president Elizabeth Rutledge.

“What we’re wanting to do is put books back into our children’s hands to allow them to go on an adventure. It’s all about broadening their minds and broadening themselves,” Rutledge said.

Three books were given to each child who attended the event. The national Reading is Fundamental literacy nonprofit group awarded the local chapter $3,333 to provide each child with more than one choice. More than 1,600 books were ordered.

Children weren’t the only ones treated to a great novel or two, adults also got the opportunity to pick up some great reads. Almost every book ranging from romance novels, to the whole Harry Potter and Twilight series were available.

Rutledge said she not only wanted kids to expand their horizons, but adults as well. Some of the books for adults were donated by community members.

If books didn’t keep some children occupied, the clowns and various activities at the event did. In between story time, clowns would help get participants moving through song and dance. Drinks and snacks were provided to keep the children occupied.

Selma Police Department Officer Frederick Walker read the children a book about best friends and pals.

“Their best friends can be their moms, and also police officers who are here to serve the city of Selma,” he said.

Walker happens to know the significance of what a book can provide to others.

“Reading is the basis, and knowledge is power,” he said. “To go forth in life, you have to know how to read. If you can deal with the fundamentals [of reading], then you can be successful in life.”