Community Corner

Children Build Skills by Reading with Dogs at Pierce County Library System

Reading with a dog will help children develop important literacy fundamentals during free events at three Pierce County Libraries, from September to December.

Information from the Pierce County Library System

TACOMA
 – Reading with a dog will help children develop important literacy fundamentals during free events at three Pierce County Libraries, from September to December. 

Read to a Dog events at the libraries encourage children to build literacy skills through the assistance of registered therapy dogs. Children feel comfortable reading out loud, read more often, attempt more difficult books, and look forward to reading. 

“Children and dogs build a rapport and both enjoy the reading time,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for Pierce County Library System. “Families are amazed at how children gain confidence in their reading and can’t wait to open another book.” 

Graham Pierce County Library
, 9202 224th St. E.Tuesdays, Oct. 1 – Nov. 12, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

Summit Pierce County Library
, 5107 112th St. E.Wednesdays, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, 3 – 4 p.m. 

Sumner Pierce County Library
, 1116 Fryar Ave.Wednesdays, Oct. 9 and 23, Nov. 13, 4 – 5 p.m.Fridays, Oct. 4 and 18, Nov. 1 and 15, 4 – 5 p.m. 

No registration required. The Friends of the Libraries sponsor these free events. 

The libraries will use only those dogs that have passed the required obedience and temperament testing, and are registered by an accredited therapy dog organization. 

Research on animal-assisted therapy and activities shows that the presence of an animal encourages relaxation, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Children who formerly did not enjoy reading often begin to look forward to sessions with a furry friend. As they start making positive associations between time spent with the dog and reading, they begin to view reading in a positive light. In time, children’s reading ability and confidence can improve because they are practicing their skills in a comfortable environment, which will make them enjoy reading even more.


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