The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will start its Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) event on Monday at 9 a.m. in the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

RIF an annual local celebration sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Zeta Eta Omega Chapter, Women and Youth Services of Selma, in collaboration with Mayor Darrio Melton, the Selma City Council, and Dallas County Commissioners. The program concludes on July 26.

Several books will be available for children between the ages of 3 and 17 to select and call their own.  Each RIF participant will also be allowed to select books.

Children will have an opportunity to meet the clowns and their favorite book characters, including Clifford, Franklin, Curious George, Black Frog, and the big Green Monster.

Sister Yomi will be one of the storytellers at the RIF’s opening event.

RIF Coordinator Nancy Sewell said reading is an important to the youth’s education.

“We hope to inspire children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice,” Sewell said. “The seeds of inspiration in these books have motivated children to follow their dreams and achieve their potential.”

Here’s the RIF schedule in Dallas County:

Monday, June 17 Kick off–The Carl C. Morgan Convention Center-9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, June 18: Rangedale Neighborhood Center:  Summer Food Service-11 a.m.  Wallace Community College-Selma,3 p.m.

Wednesday, June 19^: YMCA, Orrville Town Hall-10 a.m.

Thursday-June 20: PAL Center-11 a.m.

Friday, June 21: Felix Heights Center — Summer Food Service Program – 11a.m.

Monday, June 24: East Selma-Hope Center-Summer Food Service Program -11 a.m.

Tuesday, June 25: Valley Creek Center – Summer Food Service Program -11 a.m.

Tuesday, June 25: Tabernacle Baptist Church- Summer Food Service Program -11 a.m.

Wednesday, June 26^: R.C. Hatch Nutritional Feeding Center-11 a.m.