A Reader’s Best Friend” – Southworth Library Therapy Dog Reading Program
by Brian Walsh
Therapy Dogs Chloe and Sadie are returning to Southworth Library to listen to children read stories on Tuesday nights between November 2nd and December 7th. The dogs will be visiting the library with their handlers to offer children ages 5 to 10 reading sessions in the Library Storytime Room. This popular program was held twice previously in the last year.
Bring a favorite book from home or choose one at the library and read aloud to Chloe – the Papillon or Sadie – the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Chloe, Sadie and their handlers are all certified with Therapy Dogs International, an organization that trains dogs to work with people in nursing homes, schools and libraries. Learn more at their website http://www.tdi-dog.org.
The purpose of the therapy dog reading program is to instill in children a positive and fun association with reading and to create an encouraging atmosphere for children who find reading difficult.
Sign up in the Children’s Room of the Southworth Library or call 508-999-0726, x385 or x386 to schedule a 15 minute appointment between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m on Tuesdays from November 2nd to December 7th 2010.
