Portage Lake District Library Launches Program for Kids with Read-To-Me Dogs

The Portage Lake District Library invites children and their families to meet Harley, Ruby and Hope as the library begins a new program for children who are learning how to read.

Beginning March 7, three gentle dogs will be available every Wednesday from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. for kids to read out loud to. The dogs are trained and registered with Therapy Dogs International and with SuperiorLand Pet Partners. Children can gain confidence and build reading skills by reading at their own pace to a very loving, non-judgmental, and attentive listener.

Harley is a white Golden Retriever who has been a therapy dog for more than seven years visiting the elderly in nursing homes. Ruby is a Leonberger who has been a library reading dog for three years. She is also a therapy dog at Michigan Tech to help reduce student stress during finals week. Ruby’s other therapy work includes hospice and visiting schools that want to start a reading dog program. Hope is also a Leonberger whose therapy work includes hospice visits and meeting with Michigan Tech students during finals week to help reduce stress.

Children may bring a book from home or school or choose one from the library that they want to read to one of the dogs. There will be books to read and coloring pages for kids to use while they wait for their turn to read to a dog.

This program will take place every Wednesday through May. The summer and fall schedules will be announced at a later date.

Library events are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570.