Reading to Ranger at the Davie County Public Library

Ranger the Dog at Davie County Public Library © Katrena

If you are looking for fun ways to get the kids excited about reading, perhaps you should look for a tail at the Davie County Public Library. That's right...a tail...one that might thump the wall as a child snuggles in to read to Ranger.

Read to a Dog at Mocksville Library © Katrena

Reading to Ranger is the latest hands-on opportunity offered through the youth services department to encourage reading at the public library in Mocksville, North Carolina. This program features a Tail Waggin' Tutor who is a Canine Good Citizen and a certified Therapy Dog who boasts extensive training with young children.

Fun Ways to Encourage Reading © Katrena

Folks are welcome to sign up for 15-minute sessions to read to Ranger, a beautiful golden retriever who is also a very astute listener. The free reading sessions are offered on most Saturday afternoons, beginning on April 6, 2013. Contact Julie Whittaker or Maggie Keeble at 336-753-6038 to sign up for a reading session with Ranger. Participants must sign a permission slip and provide their own transportation to the library.

Reading to Ranger at DCPL © Katrena

My three daughters were extremely excited to be the first children to participate in the reading program. After my 11-year-old read to Ranger, she grinned and said that Ranger must have liked the book she chose because he started wagging his tail and she could hear it thumping the wall as she read. She decided to choose only one book so that she could read with lots of emotion. Today was the most excited I have seen her about reading in a long time, and her self-esteem seemed to soar.

Read to Golden Retriever at the Library © Katrena

My 9-year-old particularly looked forward to the session. It was a much anticipated one-on-one session in which she was prepared with a whole stack of books. This child absolutely loves to read! She took speech therapy years ago, but at times she still struggles to pronounce ls and rs, especially blended combinations in words. I bet Ranger might encourage her as she continues to work on those sounds!

Saturday Reading Program in Davie County Library © Katrena

The 5-year-old recognizes many letters of the alphabet, but she was determined to "read" books to Ranger during this first session. The therapy dog's owner, Dana Gaither, mentioned that my youngest is quite an adept storyteller! Who knows...perhaps some day she'll be telling stories like other North Carolina natives like Jackie Torrence and Donald Davis.

Easter Egg Hunt at Davie County Public Library © Katrena

I can personally attest to the benefits that my kids have experienced through this canine reading program and hope that others may consider this opportunity for the kids. The dog is very calm and sweet and all of my kids were begging to do this reading program again in the future.

Mad Science Program at Mocksville Library © Katrena

For those who haven't heard yet, the public library is also a great place to find a mouse...that is one that is connected to a computer. The library has lots of digital, audio, video, and other resources available in addition to loads of books and fun, interactive, educational programs throughout the year. Find the latest calendar of events at the Davie County Public Library web site.

Magician at Davie County Library in Mocksville NC © Katrena

Readers may also wish to read some of Katrena's other articles, like Unexpected Blessings of Adopting a Shelter Dog and Saving Grace Farm – Where the Horses Whisper Back.