Published: November 02, 2009 10:17 pm      

READ program unites children, dogs for literacy

HUNTSVILLE — The Huntsville Public Library is now accepting sign-ups for the second session of its Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) program set to be held Nov. 11 from 2-4 p.m.

The program is a partnership between the library and Huntsville Pets Helping People, who provides nine specially-trained therapy dogs for the program. The program is sponsored by Target and Hillcrest Ford.

The program is scheduled to be held on Huntsville Independent School District early release days throughout the 2009-2010 school year, and is geared toward younger readers in need of practice.

The program allows children to practice their reading by creating a non-threatening environment in which children read to therapy dogs.

“The dog doesn’t correct you. He doesn’t tell you the words are wrong. He doesn’t tell you to read slower or read faster,” said Kim Mason, Children’s Program Coordinator for the Huntsville Public Library. “He doesn’t criticize.”

Children are allowed to select which dog they would like to read to in advance by visiting the library and viewing pictures of the animals.

On the day of the program, children will select their own books from the library collection and then spend a 20 minute session reading to their chosen dog.

Mason said the best way to guarantee a reading with a dog is to call the library in advance to schedule a session.

For more information, contact Mason at the library at (936) 291-5472.