The Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library invites everyone to a walk back in time as the library presents Part 3 of its Local History and Genealogy program at 2 p.m. Saturday at the library.

The program titled “My African-American Roots – My Town Brundidge” will feature Geraldine Snell, Lois Robinson and Dorothyrine Munningham.

Theresa Trawick, library director, said the featured speakers will share stories of growing up in and around Brundidge and the influences that helped shape their lives.

Robinson said, when she was asked to share her story of “My Town Brundidge,” she was agreeable but with a caveat.

“I didn’t grow up in town,” she said. “I grew up out in the country. My daddy was a sharecropper and we had a large family, 12 children. We were very poor. My life entailed many hardships but we were filled with thanks for what we had and with courage and hope for a better tomorrow.”

Robinson said she will share stories of the important role the church played in her life and her quest for education.

“My daddy was illiterate but he had foresight,” she said. “A lot of children had to stay out of school many days to work in the fields but we didn’t have to stay out that much. My daddy told us if we got our educations we wouldn’t have to work hard like he did and wouldn’t have to depend on others.”

The stories of how life was for Robinson, Snell and Munningham will be reminiscent for many who grew up in the Brundidge of yesteryear. And, Robinson said she and her friends will welcome input, even questions, from the audience.

“My African-American Roots – My Town Brundidge” is one of the programs offered at the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library during the summer months.

The Brown Bag Program at noon on Tuesday, June 20, will feature Pike County resident poets Larry McLeod and Ed Hicks.

The June 21 “Kids and Kin” program will be “Animal Tales” with real animals. The program will be held at the Brundidge Senior Center at 3:30 p.m.

The Summer Reading Program at “Tupper” gets underway today and offers a variety of activities and events for young readers.

Jennifer Amlong, children’s librarian, said the Summer Reading Program will include Story Times, “Tupper” Reading Clubs and Read-to-Me.

“As an incentive and encouragement for parents to read to their children, we are promoting ‘1000 Books Before Kindergarten.’” Amlong said. “The goal is for parents to read 1000 books to their children before they enter kindergarten. Of course, if a child can read, those books are also included.”

Amlong said the bond between parents and children is strengthened when they read together. And children who enjoy reading tend to do better in school.

The public library will include a McWane Science Center program in its summer reading program and also a visit from the Big Bend Animal Sanctuary. “Tupper” will close out is “magical” Summer Reading Program with Titan Magic.

The library has several surprises up its sleeve but it’s not about to let the rabbit out of the hat.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the Summer Reading Program. Amlong said being a “Tupper” volunteer is a great way for high school students to earn community service hours. Call 334-735-2145 for more information.