Franklin County, News
 By  Staff Reports Published 
6:51 pm Wednesday, October 23, 2013

ReadAPalooza set for Nov. 2 at Regency Square Mall

Children in Franklin County will have the opportunity to receive free reading materials and sign up for additional free books at a special event in Florence.

The United Way of the Shoals Success By 6 initiative will host its inaugural ReadAPalooza on Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Regency Square Mall.

During the event, children will each get one free fall book, participate in story time, sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and participate in a craft project from The Home Depot. Children can also jump in an inflatable house throughout the event with the purchase of a $3 armband.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library was introduced in the Shoals last year and provides one free book every month for children from birth until their fifth birthday. Books are mailed directly to each household, and each child per household may participate.

Success By 6 also educates children on new and exciting ideas and brings volunteers into the classroom to interact and read with students.

“Children who are read to early in life do better in school and in life than those children who are not,” said Crystal Macgruder, director of Success By 6.

“Our goal is to introduce more children in the Shoals to books at an early age. Reading has proven to increase vocabulary, creativity and other crucial developmental skills, as well as creates a special interaction between kids and their parents.”

For more information on Success By 6 and to learn more about ReadAPalooza, please visit www.uwnwal.org or call 256-764-5892.

Also on Franklin County Times
Goodwin stepping down as Golden Tigers’ football coach
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
January 9, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dustin Goodwin, who served as athletic director and head football coach, announced he is resigning his position to seek other opportuni...
Dowdy sentencing delayed due to medical emergency
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The sentencing of Brandy Dowdy will have to wait until another day after her defense attorney suffered a “medical emergency” on Tuesday...
Legislative session opens Jan. 13; Kiel prefiles 2 bills
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE -- State Rep. Jamie Kiel has prefiled two bills ahead of the 2026 Alabama legislative session. The bills, which will be considered when l...
Hollimon reflects on 40 years in education
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dr. Deanna Hollimon always felt she was called to be an educator. After 40 years as a teacher, reading coach, administrator and educati...
Firefighters train for vehicle rescues
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters trained last week on how to stabilize overturned vehicles and remove trapped occupants. Fire Chief Joe Mansell said t...
Neighbors helping neighbors, one soda pop tab at a time
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
January 7, 2026
Most people don’t think twice about the small aluminum tab on top of a soda can. But those tiny pieces of metal have quietly helped families stay clos...
2025: A year of results for Alabama families
Columnists, Opinion
January 7, 2026
The past year has certainly been a memorable one — and, more importantly, a rewarding one. Beginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through t...
Author’s collapse was motivation for comeback
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
When Pete Key collapsed on the bathroom floor in 2024, it didn’t feel like a turning point. It felt like an ending. He had been sick for days — dehydr...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *