Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL, is excited to announce a new kind of reading program this fall. “Paws to Read” will be a reoccurring program, where kids can practice their reading skills with a licensed therapy dog. The program is designed for kids ages six to 11, but all reading levels are welcome.
Odell’s first “Paws to Read” session will take place Saturday, October 15, 2016, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Readers are encouraged to call Odell at 815-772-7323 to sign up for a time slot. Tentative dates have also been set for November and December.
Why read with dogs? Research has shown that children enjoy developing their reading skills by practicing reading with animals. “Paws to Read” provides a non-judgmental, comfortable environment for the reader, as well as a welcoming (and tail-wagging) audience.
While “Paws to Read” is a new program for Odell, libraries across the Country have run similar programs for more than a decade. Library assistant Katie Rider first heard about “Paws to Read” nearly five years ago, while visiting a library in Northeastern Indiana. She has been curious about the program ever since.
As luck would have it, Odell hired MHS sophomore Gillian Larson earlier this spring, and her family happened to have a therapy dog-in-training! The family’s dog, Jetson, shown at left, a miniature Australian Shepard, is now fully trained as a therapy animal and ready to listen.
Jetson’s handler, Jess Dersham, will be on hand to monitor Jetson, as well as gently encourage readers.
Check Odell’s website at www.odellpubliclibrary.com or view their Facebook page for more details.