If there’s one thing libraries across the nation wish to promote, it’s the joy of reading and literacy for everyone. It’s always great to see patrons visit the library and devour the books we have on our shelves…especially youth in our community. However, reading doesn’t come easy for some as it does for others. This summer, your Abilene Public Library will offer one of our most popular literacy programs with Read to a Dog Day. Sessions will be hosted at your Mockingbird Branch Library on June 6 & July 18 at 2:30PM in the activity room, and also at the Main Library on June 24 and July 22 at 5:00PM in the auditorium.
Read to a Dog Days are literacy events that pair registered therapy dogs with youth. Regardless of one’s reading ability, these programs were originally designed for youth struggling to read. Our four-legged friends that come to hear stories are captivated audiences that won’t mind if you fumble around with a word or struggle to get through a sentence. They simply want to spend time with our readers and enjoy stories, making kids more comfortable with reading aloud in front of others.
Although this program does feature dogs, we do ask that you not bring your own personal pets to the event. We will have registered therapy dogs attending that have gone through the proper training to be certified to around people in a public setting.
If you wish to participate, simply bring in your child to a session and we’ll sign you up for a time to read. We will have a selection of books for you to choose from as you wait for the next dog to become available for you to read to. Each session usually has about 4-6 therapy dogs present, so we’re able to go through the lists smoothly. Plus, if you like, you can stick around and read to another furry guest if you’d like.
Don’t pass up on your chance to participate in this great literacy event at your library!