A celebration of reading brought together students, educators, business owners, and community leaders at McLaurin Elementary School as more than 40 local fourth graders received new books to take home.
The event, held in the school library, was the result of a collaborative effort connecting Dixon Books of Historic Downtown Natchez, the Downtown Natchez Alliance, The Hunter Law Firm, and Vicki’s Books for Kids Fund through the Community Foundation of Mississippi. The initiative recognized strong reading growth in Mrs. Jazzalin Noble’s fourth grade classes and rewarded students with their own copies of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Party Pooper.
Dixon Books donated the overstocked titles after store owners identified an opportunity to place the books directly into the hands of young readers. Through coordination with school leadership, Mrs. Noble’s classes were selected in recognition of their reading progress and dedication throughout the school year.
The Downtown Natchez Alliance, the city’s local Main Street America organization, helped coordinate the effort and shape it into a student-centered literacy celebration. Following a group reading, each student received a copy of the book to build their personal library at home.
The donation was made on behalf of Vicki’s Books for Kids Fund, established through the Community Foundation of Mississippi to support children’s literacy in honor of Jennifer Boone’s mother.
“As I was growing up, my mom told me if I knew how to read and if I found the right book, I could learn how to do anything,” said Jennifer Boone, co-owner of Dixon Books. “So, when it came time to open a book store we ordered books to help us learn how to do it and we did. Always remember: If I can read, I can do anything.”
The Hunter Law Firm joined the initiative as an early collaborator and sponsored a pizza party for students following the celebration. Terrence D. Hunter, owner of the firm, said supporting student achievement aligns with the firm’s commitment to family, community, and justice.
“When our kids are learning, growing, and being celebrated for their hard work, that’s something worth showing up for,” Hunter said. “I’m proud we could play a small role in recognizing their success and encouraging them to keep reading.”
Mrs. Noble said access to books and positive reinforcement are essential to building long-term success in the classroom.
“I tell my students all of the time, in order to succeed, you have to read,” Noble said. “We’ve been testing, there are so many tests throughout the school year and the students get tired. I remind them that if they persevere and go back to their reading skills to help them find their answers, they will excel and gain new knowledge.”
She plans to use the books as part of classroom instruction, combining discussion and reading skills practice to strengthen both comprehension and enjoyment.
“My plan is to read the book as a class, have discussion, and use the skills we’ve learned throughout the year to help them nurture their love of reading and adventure in books,” Noble said. “I always tell my students, whatever it is you want to do in life, you can do it, but the preparation and execution starts now.”
Leah Hunter, Executive Director of the Downtown Natchez Alliance, said the initiative reflects the Main Street America Four Point Approach — Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality — in action.
“This project is a strong example of the Main Street America approach at work,” Hunter said. “We are not only supporting downtown businesses but also building partnerships that strengthen our community. By connecting a local bookstore, a philanthropic fund, a law firm, and a school, we created a meaningful literacy experience for students. That connector role is central to our mission in Historic Downtown Natchez. We also hope to see many of these students and their families visiting downtown, exploring local businesses, and continuing their reading journeys.”
Dixon Books is located at 514 Main Street in Historic Downtown Natchez and is co-owned by Jennifer and Walter Boone and John and Ginger Weaver.
For more information, contact Leah Hunter, Executive Director of Downtown Natchez Alliance, at director@natchezdna.org or 601-571-8394.
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