One Bogue Chitto couple wants elementary school Bobcats to rip into a few books over the summer.

Wendy Sasser made a $500 donation to the Lincoln County Public Library on behalf of herself and husband Michael Wednesday so that children’s librarian Kasie Beth Brown can purchase dozens of titles recommended by Bogue Chitto teachers for their students.

The donation is launching the Bogue Chitto Attendance Center free summer reading program at the Brookhaven branch of the library.

“Summertime offers kids a lot of opportunities to discover new interests, new books and the pure pleasure of reading just for fun,” Sasser said. “Staying active in reading will keep student on track for the upcoming year.”

Sasser worked with Bogue Chitto librarian Kim Nelson to acquire recommendations from teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Some of the books that made the list are in the Accelerated Reader program.

Students and their parents will also get a glimpse of books the kids will see in the classroom in the upcoming year, she said.

“I was thrilled to death about it,” said Principal Scott Merrell. “It’s very indicative of the Bogue Chitto community. They come together and do what’s best for the school.”

The summer reading program at the library begins June 3 and will continue through the summer until school begins.

Sasser said the goal for next summer is to expand the program to include seventh through 12th grades at Bogue Chitto.

The K-6 reading lists will be available on the Bogue Chitto Attendance Center website and Facebook page, online at the library’s website and at the library’s Brookhaven branch.

The Sassers’ donation will make the purchase of at least 60 books possible. While Bogue Chitto students can take advantage of the books’ placement at the library, they won’t be the only ones.

Any child can check out the books, but Brown limits books to two weeks so more children have a chance to participate.
Children 6 and up can get a library card, Brown said. However, a guardian who also has a library card must accompany them.