Reading to dogs at Oshkosh Public Library improves literacy skills; sign up now

Feb. 3, 2012 – It might look like storytime for dogs, but it’s the humans who benefit from a program at Oshkosh Public Library that helps children to become better readers.

The Read to a Dog program pairs children with trained reading/therapy dogs to improve literacy skills. Sessions are available by appointment at 236-5208. Registration is required. The program runs Feb. 6 - April 30 and is open to children of all ages.

According to Sandy Joseph, Oshkosh Public Library children’s librarian, reading to a dog is a fun and effective way for children who struggle with reading to build both skills and confidence.

“Children who are nervous and self-conscious about reading aloud often feel very comfortable reading to a dog,” she explains. “The dog isn’t judgmental or intimidating, so it boosts the child’s confidence, they forget about their limitations, and their reading skills improve.”

The dogs in the program are trained through the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program, a division of Intermountain Therapy Animals.

Read to a Dog is held in 20-minute blocks on Monday nights in the library’s lower level meeting room. Register at the Children’s Desk or call 236-5208.

Don’t miss these other programs for children at the Oshkosh Public Library:

Winter Wonderland Storytime: Stories, songs and activities for children of all ages on Mondays at 10 a.m. Sessions available through Feb. 27. No registration necessary. 

Pajama-Rama Storytime: A family storytime for all ages at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Cozy Book Corner. Stuffed animals, pajamas, and blankets are welcome (but not required). Sessions available through Feb. 28. No registration necessary.

Dr. Seuss's Birthday Open House & Film Festival: Drop by Sat., March 3, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., for Dr. Seuss films, birthday cake, a book zoo, prizes, birthday card signing and singing.

For more information about library programs for children and families, visit http://www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org/.