Program Title: PAWS TO READ Program dates and times: This is a year round program that meets the

e 2nd Saturday of each month @ 2:00p.m. Need for the Program To provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment for struggling readers to practice their reading skills Research at University of California, Davis Veterinary Medicine shows that children reading to dogs after completing a 10 week program had a 12% improvement in their reading skills1 Program Goals Improve childrens reading skills Offer a positive experience for the child with a book in a library setting Provide an opportunity for a child to spend time with a loving, accepting dog and to learn about their needs and care Program Description This is a reading skills development program offering children an opportunity to read monthly to a dog in a library setting. A relaxed, friendly and non-judgmental atmosphere supports the children practicing reading. Children may bring their own book or select from the display or anywhere in our collection. Groups are divided among the 5 certified therapy dogs, allowing the child to choose the dog, while maintaining equally sized groups. The program is one hour in length, and children may rotate between dogs or remain with the same dog taking turns among themselves reading. Steps in Program Development Finalize general program description and scope Contact: Pets on Wheel,--for dogs, volunteers, facility certification, health and vaccine records for the dogs; other library systems offering the program Develop promotional material, publicity 1 month prior distribute posters, flier, make PA school announcement, post on community bulletin boards, Branch storytime announcement, fliers inserted in book holds for any outgoing childrens reserves 2 weeks prior post on Facebook, with description and photo of dog reading 1 week prior-place holds for dog, rescue and other animal books from Board books to J Fiction for display on the day of the event Local Partnerships CCPL Schoolsparticularly at the elementary level Pets On Wheels Carroll County Literacy Council The Judy Center Evaluation Direct feedback from participating children and parents Direct feedback from Pets on Wheels dog owners/handlers Attendance numbers and patterns/Repeat attendees Comparison to other Read to Dogs programs across the country for ideas for refinement and improvement This program is currently being offered at the Finksburg Library.
1

Catharine Paddock, PhD. "Dogs Helped Kids Improve Reading Fluency." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 27 Apr. 2010. Web. 4 Jan. 2013. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/186708.php

Carroll County Public Library

1100 Green Valley Road New Windsor, MD 21776 Contact: Lisa Back 410.386.4500 x3196 lback@carr.org

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release DATE: January 4, 2013

PAWS TO READ at the FINKSBURG LIBRARY Finksburg, MD

Feel like snuggling up with a good book and a furry friend? Come join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month @ 2pm for PAWS TO READ at the Finksburg library. This is a reading skills development program offering children an opportunity to read monthly to a dog in a library setting. A relaxed, friendly and non-judgmental atmosphere supports the children practicing reading. Bring along your favorite book or try one of ours and read a story to a dog. Research shows reading levels for children who read to dogs improve with each session. Practice accents for your drama class or just have fun reading while petting a buddy who thinks every word you say is special. It's such fun! Come join us! Ages 6-17, registration preferred but walk-ins welcome.

###