At the Clearview Library District, literacy comes with a wag and a woof.
The PAWS for Reading program, a beloved offering for young readers at the Windsor Library, expanded to the Severance Library in 2025—bringing even more opportunities for children to build reading confidence in the company of calm, friendly, trained therapy dogs, who provide companionship and emotional support with every page turned.
The concept is simple but powerful: children register for 15-minute sessions to read aloud to certified therapy dogs in a quiet, judgment-free space designed to feel warm, welcoming, and supportive for all participants. These sessions are especially helpful for reluctant or developing readers who benefit from the calm, non-corrective presence of a furry listener.
“Children who may need extra support with reading find the dogs to be nonjudgmental and wonderful listeners,” said Diana Hyland, Youth Services Supervisor. “Whether they’re reading aloud or being read to, they start building positive feelings around books—and that motivation can last a lifetime.”
Becca Sharp, Youth Services Supervising Librarian, shared a memorable story about one young reader. “They told me they always wished they had a dog of their own to read to at home, because ‘dogs are pretty good listeners, except for if they bark.’ They were so proud to show off their reading skills.”
The program’s recent expansion to Severance reflects the Library District’s commitment to equity in early literacy programming. “It felt important to serve Severance in the same way we serve Windsor,” Sharp added. “We already see large turnouts at early literacy programs like Read, Rhyme & Romp. PAWS for Reading helps fulfill our mission to support Every Child Ready to Read.”
Volunteer Lin Schultze, who leads sessions in Severance with her therapy dog Gracie, has been moved by the program’s effect on children. “Some of the kids don’t want to get too close at first,” she said. “But little by little, they warm up. And then suddenly, they’re cuddled up with her and flipping through pages.”
Gracie, a mellow and patient dog, has a calming effect on the children she meets. “They relax around her. Some kids whisper when they read. Others are confident. But no matter their level, Gracie is just there, listening. She’s not correcting them, just being present,” Schultze said.
At Windsor Library, Peggy Lange brings her gentle Newfoundland, Alex, to weekly sessions. “Alex loves children, and if they talk to her, she’ll actually look at them and pay attention,” Lange said. “If not, she naps—but the kids don’t mind.”
She has seen children’s comfort levels grow with both reading and dogs. “Children usually open up and will talk and read easier to a dog than to a person,” she said. “They’re much more relaxed. They’re not afraid if they miss a word or two.”
“Children open up with dogs—they’re not afraid to stumble,” Lange added. “They just read, relax, and grow into confident storytellers.”
PAWS for Reading sessions are held throughout the week at both the Windsor and Severance Libraries, with small incentives—such as bookmarks, stickers, bubbles, or books—offered after each session to encourage continued participation and build excitement for young readers and their families. While the prizes are fun, it’s the emotional rewards that truly last.
“I go home with a big smile on my face every Wednesday,” said Lange. “It’s fulfilling for me, and for Alex.”
To register for PAWS for Reading or explore more early literacy programs—including Read, Rhyme & Romp, Yoga Stories, and STEAM activities for older children—visit clearviewlibrary.org/events.
Because at Clearview, every child deserves the chance to grow as a reader—and sometimes, all it takes is a good book and a gentle dog.
“Children open up with dogs - they’re not afraid to stumble. They just read, relax, and grow into confident storytellers.” – Peggy Lange, PAWS Volunteer