Nestled in a cozy corner of the Children's Area at the Windsor Library is a green cushion, the heart of the PAWS Reading Program, fostering literacy skills in a comfortable setting. This unique initiative is dedicated to fostering literacy skills in an environment that prioritizes comfort and confidence, all thanks to the remarkable impact of therapy dogs.
The PAWS for Reading Program stands out by employing extensively trained, tested, and certified therapy dogs to create a positive association with reading for children at all levels. These gentle canines serve as the perfect audience, offering a calming and non-judgmental presence that sets an ideal stage for children to enhance their reading skills. In this quintessential learning environment, children can register for 15-minute sessions to read alongside one of the pups. Confidence-building and storytelling converge to elevate literacy, fluency, and comprehension. But the program's impact goes beyond just enhancing reading ability; it's about nurturing the children's self-confidence.
The PAWS for Reading Program has not only transformed reading habits but also lives. Take, for example, a young patron named Eli, who was initially afraid of dogs but now considers Lucky, one of the therapy dogs, to be his new best friend. "Thank you for the program. Eli has been scared of dogs and said that Lucky is his new best friend. He read 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear' to him today," expressed Eli's grateful parent. Diana Hyland, youth services supervisor overseeing the program, recalls a particularly heartwarming moment of empowerment and confidence from a participant. "A young girl was reading to a dog for the first time and she whispered to her mom that she didn't think she could read good enough. Our volunteer explained that it was okay if she didn't know all the words, that her dog would love whatever she read, and to tell about the pictures if she wanted to. The little girl took a deep breath, smiled and ran over to the dog, gave him a big hug and said I will do my best and I hope you like the story. When she left she told her mom that she felt like the dog liked her story and she knows she can do it because the dog loves me and the stories no matter what."
The PAWS program not only enhances reading skills but also transforms lives, creating resilient individuals. The library offers different session times for registration, Monday to Saturday, to accommodate various schedules. As a token of appreciation, the young readers receive small prizes such as bookmarks, stickers, bubbles, or even books after each session, which helps instill a love for books, confidence, and empathy in children.
PAWS for Reading is part of a range of early literacy programs that help children prepare for school and beyond. The programs at both the Windsor and Severance Library branches promote five key practices for early literacy success: reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing. These skills are incorporated into storytimes and other programs for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. And the staff have fun doing it!
In early 2024, the Library District updated some children’s programs and introduced new ones to align with plans for the opening of the new Severance Library in April. Early literacy programs for ages 0-5 foster a lifelong passion for reading. Both library branches offer Storytime & a Craft, Read, Rhyme, and Romp programs. Programs for children ages 6-12 at the branches also provide opportunities for learning and engaging experiences. Afterschool sessions focus on STEAM, book clubs, and special events for interactive learning. Lego Engineers and Kids in the Kitchen foster creativity and problem-solving skills. The Library District nurtures young minds, fuels a passion for reading, and encourages curiosity, strengthening the community.
The Clearview Library District offers educational and engaging programs tailored to various age groups and interests. It serves as a place where imaginations soar, curiosity is cultivated, and families are united through the joy of reading. Visit clearview.libnet.info/events to explore a wide range of programs and events for all ages and interests, encouraging a love for reading and lifelong learning!
"Even if I don't know all the words, the dog loves me and the stories." -PAWS Program Reader