Dogs and kids are a natural mix and some libraries, like the one in downtown Albuquerque, are taking advantage of that. Some libraries are welcoming dogs as part of programs to help and encourage kids to read; and, in the case of the dogs, to read out loud to them. The dogs are patient uncritical listeners, as children read to them:

“…”We try to come every time,” Wacek said. “It’s awesome to see kids who want to learn. Dogs can do some awesome things with kids that I can’t do. They can pull kids in when you can’t. They probably do more good in that one day than I do all week.”"

link: Albuquerque youngsters brush up on their skills by reading to dogs

And the dogs are great volunteers. They will listen in exchange for the attention, some pats and some treats. The librarians do not need to do a security check or a criminal background history on these volunteers. They may have broken a few house rules in their younger pup days but that has long been forgiven…

Catherine Forsythe

Tags: dogs, children, reading, libraries, security