Union County Library invites young readers to build their literacy skills through "Paws to Read", a free weekly reading program featuring a therapy dog now available at select library locations. Children can choose to sit or lie beside a certified therapy dog while reading aloud from a book of their choice.

One child or family will read with a dog at a time, ensuring each participant gets undivided attention and a quiet space to practice. While waiting for their turn, children will receive a coloring page designed to resemble the dog they’ll be reading with, an activity that helps build excitement and connection before the session even begins.

At the end of each visit, every reader will receive a special bookmark that corresponds to the dog they just met. With canine volunteers stopping by each week, families can collect all the bookmarks while meeting the full lineup of four-legged reading companions.

While the types of dogs will vary, all participating dogs and handlers are certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, ensuring they are well-trained, gentle and safe for children. One of the program’s popular visitors, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Britan, even arrives with his own book, Moments with Britan, a Therapy Dog by Barbara J. Peters. Children can choose to read Britan’s story to him, often to the delight of both the young reader and the dog himself.

"Paws to Read" dates, times and locations are listed on the Union County Library Children's Programs Calendar, alongside other popular programs such as "Storytime" and "Babies & Books". No advance registration is required.

Union County Library looks forward to growing the "Paws to Read" program to ensure that reading is a "pawsitively" wonderful experience for everyone!