Reading opens worlds of possibilities — both for the reader and the one being read to. Ferst Readers of Lincoln County wants every child to have access to those possibilities.

For $42 each year, a child age birth to 5 years can receive an age-appropriate book each month.

“You can’t buy more than a few books otherwise that way,” said Pam Womack, Ferst Readers of Lincoln County representative.

But the $3.50 per book is not a cost that is passed on to the participants or their families — there’s no cost to participate. But that doesn’t mean the program is free to operate. It relies on donations to keep the program going. Support for the program comes from community donations — individuals, civic groups, businesses, schools, churches and other local organizations.

More than 1,300 children receive books each month through Ferst Readers of Lincoln County. Each book provided is specifically chosen for the child’s age and level of development and mailed to their home.

No child age 5 and under will be turned down for book requests. Every baby born at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven is registered for the Ferst Reader program.

Volunteers are needed to help operate the program and raise funds. On Thursday, June 1, Ferst Readers will host a “snack and chat” at the Lincoln County Public Library on South Jackson Street in Brookhaven. Offered at two times — 1:30-2:15 p.m. and 5:30-6:15 p.m. — the chat will be led by the local community action team and program manager Michelle Maddox.

“Hear, meet and learn what our organization does, locally and nationally,” Maddox said. “Help pave the way to a brighter future for Lincoln County one child and one book at a time.”

To make a donation or to find out more, visit www.ferstreaders.org, email LincolnCounty@ferstreaders.org or call 888-565-0177.