Dogs, dogs, everywhere dogs!

The library went to the dogs this morning, but good thing we invited them! Stryder and his little brother Bree came for an hour (along with wonderful Sandra) to help us with the Paws to Read program. They listened to the stories, got a few treats and managed a few cuddles, as well. We can’t wait until our next group of kids!

Bree. He’s a real cuddle fiend!

Stryder.  He tries to act cool, but we know he’s entranced by the story!

Finally Stryder couldn’t stand it any longer. Show me the pictures! Next time, we’ll have to set him up so he can really dive into those books!

We’re going to the dogs!

Once again, we’re planning for our summer event called PAWS TO READ.  It’s a wonderful program we’ve done for the past three summers and we’re looking forward to having our pals Stryder and Sandra back at the library. So, just what is Paws to Read?

This is a wonderful program for reluctant readers aged 6 – 10.  They visit the library once a week (while we’re closed) and spend a short time reading to our fluffy friend Stryder.  Stryder is a standard poodle who has been specially trained as a therapy dog for children. He loves to listen to kids read and he’s really patient. He comes to the library with his owner Sandra who also helps.

If you have a reluctant reader who would like to participate this summer, please give us a call or come to the library to sign up. Your child must be able to read, but might have an issue like lack of confidence or reading issues that prevent him or her from enjoying books. We’re taking names right through to the end of June, and then we’ll set up a schedule for July and August sessions.

Happy Reading!

We’ve gone to the dogs!

Today is our final session for Paws to Read with our pal, Stryder (and Sandra!…can’t forget her).  We’ve had a wonderful time this year getting to know Stryder better and he was such a great listener!  Eight kids took part this summer and we alternated weeks so that everyone had a chance to read several times. Stryder and his brother Bree were wonderful listeners and we think they both enjoyed the stories very much (especially the ones about animals!).

Stryder getting ready to listen to a story

Stryder’s brother Bree

Thanks again to Sandra for giving up her time each week to come and listen and provide this wonderful service to kids who are a little insecure about reading. We’ve heard from many of the parents who said how much their children have enjoyed coming each week and getting to know the dogs.  Hopefully, we’ll do it all again next summer!

Paws to Read is back at the library!

Last summer, we began a very successful program after partnering with the Therapeutic Paws of Canada.  The program is called Paws to Read and it is for reluctant readers who need a little encouragement.  Our readers ranged from 6 years old to about 9 years of age, and they came each week while the library was closed to read to a wonderful dog named Stryder. The purpose of having children read to a dog is to promote relaxation and allow the child to become more confident while reading. Studies have shown that these programs work wonders as the kids learn to love reading out loud, especially when the one listening is a cute dog like this one:

The dogs are specially trained to sit and listen and they always come with their human (who also sits and listens).  Each session is short, enough for one or two picture books or a nice chapter from a larger book, and afterward, the child and dog can spend a a little time getting to know each other. It is quite casual and friendly, and we’re looking forward to having lots of kids participate again this year.

Now, keep in mind….this program is only for RELUCTANT readers, not kids who just like dogs.  If we see that a child isn’t really having difficulties, we’d have to ask them to give up their slot to another child who really needs it.  Last year, we ended up with two of the kids really coming into their own….and they began to visit the library on a regular basis to check out books once the fall came around.  It was a great success and we can’t wait to get started again.

So, if your child needs help reading out loud, or if they just need some encouragement and a little extra time spent on their reading skills, drop into the library and sign them up for the Paws to Read program.  We’ll be starting in July, so sign up soon!