Children & Dogs, What a Great Combination!

Nancy Brown
Children’s Programming

Wanted: dog lovers who like to read aloud! We have dogs that like stories, but those stories must be read by children. Without readers, these dogs will be very lonesome. Without stories and books, who can live well?

In February, we have resumed the successful program from last summer called, “Paws to Read.” This brings together beginning or reluctant readers with certified therapy dogs. Many libraries are doing this program across the United States.

Reading to a dog helps the early readers, because the dog is totally nonjudgmental and patient. Educational research on early literacy tells us that reading is the skill children need most, in order to succeed with the rest of their education. Without a good education, an adult in this global economy may not even be able to make a living.

At Hickory Public Library, we will try anything to get children interested in reading. If you would like to sign up to read with a dog, please call the children’s department at 304-0500 #249. Times currently available include Thursday evenings at 6:15 or 7:00. Appointments are first come, first served!

Hickory Public Library has many resources about dogs and many beginning reader books. Below are some titles you may enjoy. Other Hickory Public Library resources can be found on our website at www.hickorygov.com/library/, or come in to our two locations – Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, 375 3 rd Street NE on the SALT Block and Ridgeview Branch Library, 706 1st Street SW.

Green dot E RYL “Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath”

Green dot E CAP “Biscuit's New Trick”

E DAY “Carl Goes to Daycare”

E KIT SCH “Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House”

PS-J 372.6 MOO “More Than Letters: Literacy Activities for Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade”

J 418.4 BAI “Bailey's Book House” (CD-ROM)

372.4 BET “Between the Lions Presents: Leading the Way to Literacy” (WGBH Boston video)

636.7 Bau “Dog Heroes of September 11th: a Tribute to America's Search and Rescue Dogs”