R.E.A.D. Program is Introduced to Westborough Residents

Dogs are enjoying the many books at the Westborough Public Library. They might not be reading the words off of the page, but they are helping emergent readers do just that. Westborough Public Library is introducing the Reading Education Assistant Dogs (R.E.A.D) Program from the non-profit organization Tufts Paws for People.

The program was introduced to Westborough residents at a demonstration on Tuesday night. Sue Marino and Lisa Freeman from The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provided information about the new program and introduced Nemo, a 135-pound Newfoundland. Nemo demonstrated his good listening skills as children took turns reading his favorite book Newf, by Marie Killilea. Marino explained that when you flash the page over to him, “Nemo will look at the pictures.”

Nemo is just one of the many therapy dogs who assist young readers by offering a calm and non-judgmental audience. A recent study conducted by researchers at The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University suggests that reading to dogs improves a child’s attitude and aptitude for reading. The program is designed to encourage emergent or hesitant readers to practice and improve reading skills. All therapy dogs and handlers are trained and tested to ensure the safety of all readers.

The first session of the R.E.A.D. program will begin on October 17. Participants will read with a therapy dog and dog trainer for 30 minutes per week for four weeks. The program runs on Monday evenings from 5:15 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. 

Registrations will be taken in person at the Children's Room begining on Thursday, October 6. Due to the number of dogs and trainers available space is limited.

Feel free to call the children's librarian, Mrs. Hurley, with any questions. She can be reached at 508-366-3050.