Big Dogs, Little Kids and the Joy of Paws to Read

Wilson tends to draw attention when he pads into our children’s section.

It might just be a matter of size. At 180 pounds, he is bigger than almost all of the kids and even some of their parents.

Most people are just curious as to why there’s a dog in the library.

But Wilson’s just here for the same reason as most of the kids. He wants to hear a good story.

Big dog. Little girl. Good book. Leah reads Junie B. Jones to Wilson, a 180-pound Newfoundland.

It’s uncouth to play favorites, but Paws to Read is one of our favorite programs that we do at Mentor Public Library.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who make for a sympathetic and adorable audience.

The dogs help the kids relax so they can get used to reading to an audience. (And the therapy dogs usually get an ear scratch for their troubles.)

Reading time sometimes becomes snuggle time.

If your child can read independently but doesn’t like to do it in front of other people, you might try signing them up for Paws to Read. (Especially if your son or daughter is also a dog lover.)

The next session is slated for March 19 at our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch and registration for it begins on March 5.

Registration fills up quickly, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child could benefit from Paws to Read.

There is often a waiting list for the program once registration begins.

Ava reads to Toby, a standard poodle, and Janelle, Toby's owner.

For more information on Paws to Read and other children’s programs at Mentor Public Library call (440) 255-8811 ext. 221.

And for more photos from our most recent Paws to Read session, visit our Facebook page.