Kids Learn Reading Isn't Ruff with a Furry Friend

The Naperville Public Library is barking up a new tree and rolling over for its readers with a new program. Some of the participants are begging for more.

The library recently held its first Bark for Books reading program. The program received a "paws up" and went over well with the readers, dogs and handlers who participated. Two more events are planned later this fall.

Officials at the library did research and learned that programs pairing children who read to dogs have a great success rate.

“When kids can read in a nonjudgmental atmosphere — the dog is just listening — they relax, it is especially helpful for struggling readers,” said Karen Burke, the children’s librarian at the .

The first event had three dogs (and their handlers) and 14 readers, she said. The reading slots were broken down into 15-minute intervals. The children had the option of reading one of their own books, or reading a book that was provided. The books that are part of the program are geared toward humane education, such as how to care for a pet.

“We were very pleased and very excited we had such a good turnout,” Burke said.

The program is for students in first through third grades, she said.

The Pawsitives Therapy Troupe participated in the first event earlier this month. In November the Paws for Tales therapy group will participate in the program.

The humane society’s Paws for Tales program was founded in 2009 and participants also must be volunteers with the nonprofit, said Terri Hancock, the humane education manager at the . All of the dogs are certified with a minimum of a Canine Good Citizen certification, others have Delta Society certification or have been certified as a therapy dog.

Paws for Tales has been used in both and schools, in most cases to help students with learning, reading or emotional disabilities, Hancock said.

“It makes them happy, taking what is bothering them and making it better,” Hancock said. “… The bottom line is there is such a great human-animal bond that people can experience. It can brighten their day and just make them feel more comfortable.”

The humane society has received “incredible” feedback from its own reading program, and more schools are signing up to participate, Hancock said.

The next Bark for Books event will take place Oct. 12 at the , Burke said. Children who participate will get a bookmark and a “pawtagraph” from the dogs they read with. 

Though the Paws for Tales dogs have never been to a library, Hancock anticipates it will be a positive experience for all those who participate.

“The dog is just a patient listener who is going to snuggle up to them and doesn’t care,” Hancock said. “The dog thinks it is the greatest book ever and the greatest reader ever.”

The Naperville Public Library will hold two more Bark for Book events this fall. The events will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the and from 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 12 at the .

For more information about the Bark for Books program call the Naperville Public Library’s main phone number at 1-630-961-4100 and then choose either the Nichols Library at extension 6128 or the Naper Boulevard Library at extension 2208.

Anyone who wants to learn more about participating in the ’s Paws for Tales program may contact Terri Hancock at 1-630-420-8989, ext. 117.