The Colfax Public Library will give families in Whitman County a chance to relax while eating a free meal and discussing books.

Starting in October, the library will host a six-week series of free dinners called Prime Time Family Reading, for families who register on the library’s website by Sept. 27, said Sheri Miller, associate director of Whitman County Libraries.

The participating families are sent home with books to read during the week, then at the next dinner they can discuss what they read, Miller said.

“We are all so busy when families come home, they are trying to deal with getting supper ready and it’s a busy time,” she said. “This is a designated hour and a half where they don’t have to worry about that.”

The library received funding from Humanities Washington, a nonprofit organization that provides resources for libraries in Washington, Miller said.

Jennings Elementary School in Colfax also partnered with the library also partnered to spread the word about the program, she said.

Humanities Washington requires 15 families to sign up for the program to receive funding, and 25 families is the max number allowed to sign up, Miller said.

This is the first time the Whitman County Library has provided a program like this, and it will only be available at Colfax for now, Miller said.

The dinners are tailored for families with children aged 6 to 10, but families with children 3 to 5 years old will be provided with free childcare.

The dinner nights are from 6-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10, 17, 24. 29, Nov. 5 and Nov. 14 at the Whitman County Library in Colfax.

“We want to get the word out to families that may need extra family time,” Miller said. “Reading together helps the kiddos with their reading and literacy skills.