Community Calendar

Event Details:

Event Description:

Drake Community Library is partnering with Dog Training Elite for the Paws & Read Program, bi-weekly on Mondays from 3:30-4:30 PM. The program aims to foster a love for reading among children in grades K-6 by providing a unique opportunity to read aloud to specially trained therapy dogs.

Conducted by Kim Cameron from Dog Training Elite, the sessions will feature licensed therapy dogs that offer a nonjudgmental and supportive environment for young readers. Some research has demonstrated that reading to animals can significantly enhance children's attitudes towards reading, contributing to improved literacy skills and confidence.

Registration for the Paws & Read Program is mandatory. Interested participants can secure their spot by accessing the registration form available on the library's events calendar at drakelibrary.org/events by clicking on the date and then the time. Registrants can choose from four time slots: 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, or 4:15 pm. Please note each 15-minute slot accommodates only one child. Adults registering should include only the child who will be reading during the session. Including additional family members will automatically move the registration to the waitlist.

Kim Cameron is fully insured, and all participants will be required to sign a liability release waiver before their first session with the therapy dog(s).

Spaces are limited, but a waitlist will be available for interested families. Registration opens two weeks before each event and closes one day prior.