The library has gone to the dogs … literally!
Naperville Public Library is proud to bring back a fan-favorite program this spring: Bark for Books. During this program, children gain confidence in their reading abilities by reading aloud to therapy dogs from PAWsitive Therapy Troupe in a paw-sitive and non-judgmental environment.
Children’s librarian and program coordinator Erin Doyle has been looking forward to resuming the program after it was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This program is a great opportunity for us to partner with another community organization and for kids to practice their reading skills,” Doyle said. “We haven’t offered it since 2019 so it was time to bring it back.”
Children are welcome to bring a book from home that they are currently reading, or they can pick something new off the shelf. After that, they can curl up with one of PAWsitive Therapy Troupe’s doting dogs and start reading.
During the relaunch of Bark for Books in March, 95th Street Library welcomed two very special pups: Laney, a 3-year-old golden retriever, and Kami, a 3-year-old Akita. Laney’s companion, Wendy Yellin, has been participating in programs like this for more than 21 years.
“It’s fun to see how the kids react,” Yellin said. “You can meet someone that’s a little shy or bashful, and they open up a little. The dogs don’t care what the kids read or if they read correctly; they just love having the attention and the company.”
With plenty of treats, pets and tail wags, both pups had a ball listening to a variety of books.
Therapy dogs like Laney and Kami are required to have specific certifications to attend programs such as this. Their friendly and agreeable temperaments make them the perfect listeners for young readers to practice with.
Two budding readers who participated in the program were sisters, 5-year-old Cocoa and 4-year-old Mecho, who read to Laney. Their mom, Ramya, thought the experience was worthwhile for both girls.
“This is a dream come true,” Ramya said. “When they think they are reading and the dog is listening, that’s motivating and confidence building.”
As for the dogs’ favorite books? Kami’s owner, Heather Pontious, said she loves “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.
“It gets her in touch with her inner puppy,” Pontious said.
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Bark for Books will continue through May at 95th Street Library on the first Wednesday of the month and at Naper Blvd. Library on the second Monday of the month.
For information about this and other engaging children’s programs, check out www.naperville-lib.org/events.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.