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.