Paws to Read at Mentor Public Library

Theron reads "Bunny Double We're in Trouble" to Diva.

Looking for a way to encourage your kid to read? If they like dogs, then Paws to Read at Mentor Library is the perfect program for them.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

The dogs make an ideal audience—supportive and adorable—and all they ask for in return is the occasional belly rub.

...and sometimes they go for a kiss like Hattie here.

Registration for our next sessions start March 2. There will be two 30-minute sessions on March 16 at our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Furthermore, those spots tend to fill up fast, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child would enjoy Paws to Read.

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

Rudder (our newest Paws to Read volunteer) listens to Maddie as she reads.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Public Library's Facebook page.

Paws-ing to Read at Mentor Library

Addilyn and Norman share a good book during Paws to Read at Mentor Library.

I know I’ve written about our Paws to Read program, but I’m not missing any opportunities to share photos of kids reading to dogs.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it’s also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

Caesar must find Patrick's voice relaxing.

Paws to Read is going to take a brief break during the holiday season, but it will return in January.

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

This was moment's after Norman licked the side of Jenna's face. She took it in stride and kept reading.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Public Library's Facebook page.

Paws to Read: Kids, Pups & Books

Michael reads a Pete the Cat book to Hattie during Paws to Read. (Hattie, for her part, didn't object to the cat book.)

Looking for a way to get your child excited about reading?

Give him or her an audience.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

The dog is an ideal listener--attentive but never judgmental. (A canine, even the smartest one, has never corrected a child's pronunciation.) The program helps build the child's confidence and makes reading fun for them.

Caesar relaxes while Maria reads to him.

Registration for the June sessions start Oct 7. There will be two 30-minute sessions on Oct. 21 at our Main Branch; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Furthermore, those spots tend to fill up quickly, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child could benefit from Paws to Read.

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

Adianna and Hannah share a book about unicorns.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library's Facebook page.

Dog-gone good reading buddies

Hattie must find Maria's reading relaxing.

I know I’ve written about our Paws to Read program, but I’m not missing any opportunities to share photos of kids reading to dogs.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it’s also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

Teah rubs Dugan's neck while reading to him.

Registration for the May sessions start May 6. There will be two 30-minute sessions on Sept. 16; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Furthermore, those spots tend to fill up quickly, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child could benefit from Paws to Read.

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

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

That's a pile of pups! Ava and Jake read to Hannah and Honey.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library’s Facebook page.

'Bark'-ing up the right tree with Paws to Read

Teah reads to our newest Paws to Read dog, Hattie.

Looking for a way to encourage your kid to read? If they like dogs, then Paws to Read at Mentor Library is the perfect program for them.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

The dogs make an ideal audience—supportive and adorable—and all they ask for in return is the occasional ear scratch.

Claire touches Kody's paw as she reads to her about Horrible Harry.

Registration for our next sessions start Aug. 5. There will be two 30-minute sessions on Aug. 19 at our Main Branch; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Furthermore, those spots tend to fill up fast, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child would enjoy Paws to Read.

Diva listens as Braden reads to her about the president.

By the way, there’s still time to join the more than 1,400 kids who have signed up for our summer reading program.

For every hour a child reads or is read to, they receive a raffle ticket that can help them win one of dozens of cool prizes—from telescopes and microscopes to Lego sets and Superhero Barbie. The more someone reads, the better chance they have of winning.

If a child reads 20 hours by Aug. 1, they will be entered into a special raffle to win one of two $50 gift certificates from Toys ‘R Us.

Mentor Library also has a summer reading program (and prizes) for teens and adults, as well. For more information about summer reading, call 440-255-8811 or visit Mentor Library’s website.

Ruckus and Taylor share a good book.

You can find more Paws to Read photos on Mentor Library's Facebook page.

Book clubs for kids at Mentor Library

Katie, Mckenzie and Tabitha make a quilt together during the most recent meeting of our American Girl Book Club.

Trying to find a way to motivate your child to read this summer? Maybe they'd have more fun if reading was group activity.

While most people think of book clubs as for adults, Mentor Library has clubs for all ages.

If your kid likes superheroes, Adventure Time or Spongebob, then they might love our Comics Club.

Our Comics Club is for any 8- through 12-year-old who likes to read, talk about or draw sequential art. We love everything from Amelia Rules to Batman to Bone.)

Our Comic Club meets from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at our Main Branch. Our next meeting is July 7.

At a typical meeting, the kids talk about a special theme. Then we introduce the kids to graphic novels and comics that can be found in the library’s collection.

We close out each meeting with free time for the kids to draw or read.

Luke and Caleb show off their super gear after the Comics Club meeting.

If your kid enjoys American Girl—the books or the dolls—then they'll love our American Girl Book Club.

They meet on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss a different American Girl book and make a new craft. Many of them even bring their dolls with them, if they like. (Of course, the dolls aren’t required.)

Our next meeting is 4 p.m. on July 1 in the children’s section of our Main Branch on Mentor Avenue. The girls will be meeting Addy.

You can register your child for the book club on our web site or by calling (440) 255-8811 ext. 221.

Claire reads to Ruckus during a Paws to Read session at Mentor Library.

If your child is an animal lover, then they'll enjoy Paws to Read.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read. It provides your child with a sympathetic, furry audience and helps them be more comfortable while reading.

Registration for the next sessions start July. There will be two 30-minute sessions on July 16 at our Main Branch; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Additionally, those spots tend to fill up quickly, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child could benefit from Paws to Read.

And remember to read with your child too.

Paws-ing to Read this Summer at Mentor Library

There are few audiences as supportive as a canine. Diva listens to Noni read during Paws to Read at Mentor Library.

So you want to get your children involved in summer reading, but they're reticent readers.

Perhaps, it's difficult to motivate them or they simply get nervous when they have to read in front of an audience.

Have you considered having them read with a therapy dog? It's a supportive audience that only listens and never criticizes.

A lot of children become more confident and enthusiastic readers by participating in Mentor Library's Paws to Read program.

Caesar relaxes while listening to Alyssa.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

Registration for the June sessions start June 3. There will be two 30-minute sessions on June 17 at our Headlands Branch; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Furthermore, those spots tend to fill up quickly, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child could benefit from Paws to Read.

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

Justice scratches Ruckus's ears neck between pages.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library’s Facebook page.

Puppy love at the library

Claire and Ruckus share a book during Paws to Read at Mentor Library.

I know I've written about our Paws to Read program, but I'm not missing any opportunities to share photos of kids reading to dogs. It's beyond cute. It's cute2!

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it’s also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

Sam scratches Jazzy's stomach as he reads to her.

Registration for the May sessions start May 6. There will be two 30-minute sessions on May 20; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there’s a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Furthermore, those spots tend to fill up quickly, so contact the children’s department at Mentor Public Library soon if you think you child could benefit from Paws to Read.

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

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

Dakota and Noni ask Marvin K. Mooney if he'll please go now.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library's Facebook page.

Anything is paws-ible with a good book and a good dog

Jake and Claire take turns reading to Jazzy during Paws to Read at Mentor Library.

I've mentioned Paws to Read before, and I'm going to mention it again sometime soon; because it's a great program, and I want as many people as possible to know about it.

Paws to Read is for readers between the ages of six and 12 years old. Mentor Library hosts it on the third Wednesday of the month at either its Main or Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it’s also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

Newfoundland Wilson and Olivia share a book.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, at Mentor Library’s Main Branch.

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.)

For more information on Paws to Read and other children’s programs at Mentor Public Library call (440)257-2512.

Payton gives Caesar a belly scratch in between books.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library’s Facebook page.

Paws to Read: The Difference a Dog Makes

Taylor reads to a pair of therapy dogs—Honey (on the left) and Hannah—during Paws to Read at Mentor Library.

Taylor didn't like reading in front of people. She could read the words as well as any kindergartener, but it made her nervous when someone listened, her mother Donna explained.

Then Donna found the least judgmental audience in the world —the therapy dogs at Mentor Library's Paws to Read.

So Taylor started reading to the dogs, and they never corrected her pronunciation or narrowed their eyes if she didn't know a word. They just rested their heads next to her and occasionally angled for a belly scratch.

Soon Taylor enjoyed reading so much that she didn't care who listened.

Taylor's in second grade now and reads at a 3.4 Level. She still goes to Paws to Read, but now it's just for the fun of it.

Her mother Donna was so impressed that she got her dog, Jazzy, registered as a therapy dog; and now Jazzy helps young readers get over their worries, just like other canines did for Taylor.

Elizabeth multitasks, scratching Jazzy's ear without losing her page.

Elizabeth multitasks, scratching Jazzy's ear without losing her page.

Paws to Read is for readers between the ages of six and 12 years old. Mentor Library hosts it on the third Wednesday of the month at either its Main or Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it’s also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Mentor Library’s Main Branch.

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.)

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

Between books, Nathan scratches behind Fragg's ear.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library’s Facebook page.

Paws to Read returns to Mentor Library

Paws to Read returns to Mentor Public Library in January.

As you've already surmised from the headline and the caption above, one of our favorite programs is back.

After a holiday sabbatical, Paws to Read returns Jan. 21 at our Main Branch.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it’s also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

Registration for the January sessions start Jan. 7. There will be two 30-minute sessions on Jan. 21; one beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next at 7 p.m. We only have so many therapy dogs; so, unfortunately, there's a limit on how many kids can participate each month.

Furthermore, those spots tend to fill 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.

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

A special thanks to two special volunteers

We can never thank our volunteers enough but that doesn't excuse us from trying.

Very soon, we will be saying goodbye to a pair of wonderful volunteers and good friends, and we'd like to take this opportunity to thank them.

Hayley (one of our Paws to Read dogs,) along with her owner Carol, are retiring.

They volunteered at their final Paws to Read session Wednesday.

We can think of no better way to thank Carol and Hayley than with a gallery of some of the children they've helped over the years—just by listening.

Thank you, Carol! Thank you, Hayley! And dogspeed!

Mentor Library is going to the dogs (and that's OK)

You've probably heard of Paws to Read, our program that pairs young readers with therapy dogs. It's a splendid symbiosis. The kids get a supportive listener and the dogs enjoy story time.

You may have even thought, "That would be perfect for my kid."

Well, now is the perfect time to find out.

We are holding our final Paws to Read sessions this year on Wednesday evening, Oct. 15, at our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch, but we still have a few openings available as of today. (Today, in this instance, is Thursday, Oct.9.) But these openings won't last until Oct. 15, so you should call Mentor Library if you're interested.

You can register your child for Paws to Read by calling (440) 255-8811 ext. 221.

Paws to Read is for readers between the ages of six and 12 years old.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it’s also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library’s Facebook page.

Reading to the pups

Jacob reads Harry Potter to Kacey during MPL's Paws to Read program Wednesday night.

We've written about Paws to Read before. We'll write about it again.

After all, we at Mentor Public Library love almost any program that gets children reading—not just reading, but loving it!

And few things get kids more excited about reading—or anything else for that matter—than a warm, snuggly pooch listening to them.

Hey, they aren't reading. Olivia and Caesar have a quick ear-scratching break.

Paws to Read pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

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. The program works well for dog lovers, but it's also helped some kids who are scared of dogs get over their phobia.

Aylish reads Dog Rules to Kody.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Mentor Library’s Main Branch.

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.

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

Elizabeth meets Caesar during Paws to Read.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library’s Facebook page.

Paws-ing to Read

Nobody finds Paws to Read more relaxing than Caesar.

I've been talking about Poe and science so much this summer that I've neglected an old favorite—Paws to Read.

This program is a personal favorite. It pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

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.)

Annaliesse read to our newest Paws to Read volunteer: Jazz.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Mentor Library's Main Branch.

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.

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

Jenna and Diva take a reading break for some snuggle time.

For more photos from Paws to Read, visit Mentor Library's Facebook page.

Paws to Read: Good dogs, good books, even better times

The Mentor Public Library is going to be closed Sunday and Monday in commemoration of Memorial Day. (All of our digital services are still available though.)

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Would you forgive us if we shared photos of cute kids reading to cute dogs.

Jay and Fragg share a book at our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch.

These photos are from our monthly Paws to Read program.

It pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

Caesar nuzzles in as Amarys reads to him.

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 June 18 at our Main Branch and registration for it begins on June 14.

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.

Maria and Hannah take a break from reading.

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

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.

Bela reads the adventures of CatDog to Hayley.

Good Dog: The Return of Paws to Read

Paws to Read returned to Mentor Public Library last week.

This program is a personal favorite. It pairs young readers (between the ages of six and 12 years old) with therapy dogs, who listen to the children as they read.

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 May 21 at our Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch and registration for it begins on May 7.

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.

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.