Reading is a beautiful thing, but it can be a struggle in the beginning. At times, young or inexperienced readers lack confidence in their abilities. One of the best ways to help younger readers build that confidence is to practice in a calm, judgment-free setting.
Cumberland County Public Library can help aid reluctant readers with their Paws for Reading programs. By partnering with Love on a Leash, a nationwide organization with a local group in Fayetteville, the library can offer children a welcoming and relaxed way to hone and enhance their burgeoning skills.
Animal therapy is proven to help people relax, improve behaviors and interactions, and reduce anxiety. Love on a Leash has certified pet therapy dogs that are trained for community outreach programs in hospitals, schools and libraries. They are certified and trained with their owner as a team to help relieve stress and provide comfort in many different situations. While most therapy pets are dogs, there are also therapy cats and rabbits.
The Paws for Reading programs allow children to gain confidence in reading by letting them read to an animal that is trained for social situations and remains calm.
Their presence and demeanor can help apprehensive readers flourish and set them on a path to literary success.
On the third Friday of each month, Love on a Leash members bring their adorable four-legged friends to one of the Cumberland County Public Library locations. While there, children can read to the dogs, listen while others read or just spend time with the dogs. Children can bring their own book(s) or choose from the library’s collection.
Upcoming Paws for Reading Programs are listed below:
- 4 p.m. June 21 at Hope Mills Community Library, 3411 Golfview Road, Hope Mills
- 4 p.m. July 19 at Cliffdale Regional Library, 6882 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville
- 4 p.m. August 16 at Bordeaux Community Library, 3711 Village Drive, Fayetteville
- 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at Headquarters Library, 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville
- 4 p.m. October 18 at West Regional Library, 7469 Century Circle, Fayetteville
- 4 p.m. November 15 at Hope Mills Community Library, 3411 Golfview Road, Hope Mills
Register for these programs and view a complete list of library programs by visiting the calendar of events at cumberland.librarycalendar.com/events. To learn more about the library, stop in at your local branch, call 910-483-7727 or visit our website at cumberlandcountync.gov/library.