Library News

Dateline: August 04, 2006

Attired in their red work vests and wearing a determined look on their snouts, certified therapy dogs from Central Ohio Good Shepherds make routine visits to the Plain City Public Library. But, these happy canines aren’t at the library to check out the newest books on dog training or checking their doggie email. No, these helpful pooches are on a mission: A mission to help children improve their reading skills! They do this by being involved with a program called Dog-gone Good Reading! The pups are paired with a child who has difficulty reading or is just starting to learn. Children find the dogs to be a reassuring and non-judgmental reading buddy. The dogs just love making the kids happy! (And the occasional belly rub is nice, too!)

Participants of the human variety are made up of children between the ages of 5 and 12. The canine component is made up of certified therapy dogs who make regular school, hospital, and nursing home visits. This ensures that the animals coming to the library have the proper vaccinations and temperament to be around children and large groups of people. One child and one dog team up for a twenty minute reading session. Children may read their own favorite books or select from one of the titles provided by the library.

The therapy dogs also bring along their human owners, who don't just provide transportation for the dogs (as of this writing, dogs are still not allowed to drive in Ohio), but aid in the learning process, too,  helping and encouraging the children as they read. Sessions conclude with a ten minute “Meet and Greet,” where the kids get to mingle with all the dogs. It’s a great reward for a job well done!

Join us for Dog-gone Good Reading!

July 13 & 27 at 7:00 PM