The Philippi Public Library will host a new reading program for school-aged children called "Dog Tales." Mountaineer Therapy Dogs will be at the Philippi Public Library from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month, beginning this Saturday.
During "Dog Tales," children will be partnered with a therapy dog and will read to that dog. Parental permission is required for each child before sessions are scheduled.
"A therapy-dog reading program provides a positive and fun education experience for children and parents," said Barbara Higgins of Mountaineer Therapy Dogs. "They offer a calm, supportive, nonjudgmental reading friend to a child.
"Reading to a therapy dog can improve a child's reading skills, boost their self-confidence and build their social skills," Higgins continued. "As an added benefit, children can learn how to interact with a dog. Mountaineer Therapy Dogs are registered and insured therapy dogs who love to listen to a good book."
Judy Buckner Larry, director of the library, said she's please to be able to offer this program to area youngsters.
"We are happy to offer this new children's literacy program at the Philippi Public Library and to partner with Mountaineer Therapy Dogs," Larry said. "We hope the companionship of these dogs will build and encourage the children's love of books even more."
Fact Box
If you go
What:?'Dog Tale' program
When: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month.
Where: Philippi Public Library
Information: 304-457-34953
To register for this limited-space program or for more information about Philippi Public Library programs, anyone interested can call the library at 304-457-3495.
