NATCHEZ &045; Children in the Natchez-Adams School District are gearing up for Black History Month.

Several school libraries started the week by creating book displays that focus on famous black achievements. Susan Mingee, the librarian at Frazier Primary School, said she will read several biographies to the children.

&uot;I’ll read George Washington Carver to them, and they are always very interested to hear about all his peanut inventions,&uot; Mingee said. &uot;These children are emergent readers and they haven’t had a chance to read from social studies or history books yet.&uot;

At Robert Lewis Middle School the morning announcements include a brief biography of a famous black Mississippian.

&uot;There’s been a positive response,&uot; Assistant Principal Edward Reed said. &uot;The children will come up and ask more even though we just told them briefly over the intercom. It has peeked their interest.&uot;

At Natchez High School Librarian Sandra Peoples said she is expecting to see more books checked out on black history.

&uot;Usually during Black History Month one or two teachers will assign a report on a black historical figure,&uot; Peoples said.

Students at West Primary performed a short program on Martin Luther King last Friday, and will continue to read and learn about him in the school library, said Cheryl Vandevelde.

Other upcoming events include a program at West Primary by the Greater Faith Ensemble directed by J.L. and Julie Hammitte on Feb. 13 and a program put on by the children at Frazier Primary including a fashion show of African attire.