Can you share a brief overview of the Paws to Read program and how it got started at JMRL?
Paws to Read is a partnership between Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and local therapy dogs and their humans to create an environment that invites growing readers to practice their reading skills in a welcoming, non-judgmental setting. The individual partnerships between therapy dogs and the library usually begin when a therapy dog’s human reaches out, interested in volunteering at the library, or when a community member makes an introduction between a library staff member and a therapy dog.
What inspired the library to offer a program that pairs children with dogs for reading time?
One of the goals of early literacy programming at the library is to instill a lifelong love of reading in children, and one great way to do that is to make reading exciting and fun for kids. Introducing the element of being able to read to and interact with a friendly dog encourages kids to visit the library, select a book to read, and read aloud, all for the pleasure of reading. A 2023 study showed that reading to a dog improved children’s attitudes toward reading (Coffman, et al.,2023). Positive attitudes toward reading have been shown to predict reading skills and achievement (Froiland & Oros, 2014). A 2022 study also showed improvements in reading performance for 7- and 8-year olds after canine-assisted reading support sessions (Syrnyk, et al. 2022).
How often is the Paws to Read program offered, and at which branches?
Currently, Paws to Read is offered regularly at Crozet, Gordon Avenue, Louisa, Nelson, and Northside, based on the availability of the therapy dogs and library staff. All JMRL branches are able to host Paws to Read programs, so therapy dogs and their humans who are interested in volunteering can reach out to Megan Smead, JMRL’s Children’s Services Manager, at msmead@jmrl.org.
Do families need to register in advance, or can they drop in?
Registration is required in advance by calling the library branch. You can find out more by searching “Paws” in JMRL’s online calendar at jmrl.org/calendar.
How are the reading sessions structured -- how long are they, and how many children can participate at one time?
Paws to Read sessions are typically 15 minutes long, and one child reads to one dog. The session time is long enough for a child to practice their reading skills, and short enough to allow for multiple readers to participate in back-to-back sessions without tiring the therapy dog. These sessions are one-on-one, so the child doesn’t feel any pressure or judgment from peers about their reading choices or skills.
Are the dogs part of a therapy animal program or a specific organization you partner with?
JMRL has partnered with a variety of therapy dog organizations, including Green Dogs Unleashed, Therapy Dogs International, and Alliance Therapy Dogs.
What kind of training or certification do the dogs and their handlers have?
Both therapy dogs and their humans have required training classes through their therapy dog organizations, as well as facility visit observations that lead to certification.
What kinds of changes or growth have you observed in children who participate in the program?
Over the course of just one session, library staff have observed children relax and appear more confident and enthusiastic about reading aloud. The library does not monitor or track children in the program, but clearly, children and their parents are finding benefits to the program, as the programs are usually full, and there are many repeat participants.
Are there age ranges or reading levels that benefit most from this kind of program?
Any reader can benefit from Paws to Read! An article from the National Institute of Health notes that “Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.” Not only does Paws to Read provide an opportunity to practice reading skills, but it can also potentially benefit readers’ mood and health!
What other creative or unconventional literacy programs does the library offer for kids?
The library offers a wide range of literacy programs for children, with a variety of creative approaches. Book clubs may sound traditional, but library staff put a special spin on some of these discussion groups, including a group where caregivers and kids read a graphic novel together and discuss it over a craft project, and a group where kids get together to read the first chapter of a book together, discuss it, and then take a free copy home to finish the book. There are so many wonderful programs led by JMRL’s creative, thoughtful, enthusiastic staff, and anyone interested in learning more can visit jmrl.org/calendar to view the full schedule of events.
Megan Smead had a few more words to share about Paws to Read:
- The goals of Paws to Read are to instill a love of reading, provide an opportunity to develop reading skills, and establish a foundation for literacy that will support a reader throughout their life.
- The community response to Paws to Read has been overwhelmingly positive. Sessions fill up quickly, and many participants come back for more sessions after their first experience. The library receives positive feedback from participants and volunteers about the program.
- Parents have provided positive feedback about the program, with one mom telling library staff, "That was awesome! We are coming back next week!"
- JMRL is always looking for therapy dogs and their humans to provide additional sessions. Offering more sessions depends on their availability and generous donations of their time.
- Anyone who is interested in supporting Paws to Read can contact Megan Smead at msmead@jmrl.org.
Over the course of just one session, library staff have observed children relax and appear more confident and enthusiastic about reading aloud.