• By Margaret Adam
• Posted Monday, January 25, 2016

Read to a Dog at Walkertown Library

Chloe and Adare, Tail-Waggin' Tutors, are trained therapy dogs owned by Mary Donadio of Kernersville. Mary and these obedient dogs volunteer their time listening to young readers because the experience yields many benefits. Most importantly, students improve reading skills. Besides decoding longer words and recognizing sight words, they gain fluency and self-confidence in their reading. Dogs just listen without judgment, and that feels good.

Another benefit is that safe exposure to trained therapy dogs can help children overcome a fear of dogs and then feel less anxious encountering dogs in public. Chloe, a border collie, and Adare, an Australian shepherd, sit together on little blanket on the floor of our Children's Area, right by the window. Mary sits nearby and also listens without comment. Your child may sit with the dogs, who work as a pair, or sit on a chair beside them.

Having dogs at Walkertown Branch Library is fun for all involved. Anytime a young reader comes to the library, it's a chance to take home books for learning and for fun. When families attend programs and borrow books, they are connecting to reading, information, and lifelong learning.

Read to Two Dogs: Monday, February 1st, 6 - 7 pm

Walkertown Branch Library, 2969 Main St. Walkertown, NC, 27051

Registration required. Call (336) 703-2990 to register students ages 3 - 11 for a read-aloud turn.
Click here for driving directions.