Media Contacts: Leanne Ingle, Communications Specialist, 1-877-284-6237, ext. 2508; Jan Shackelford, Chehalis Timberland Library Public Services Associate, 748-3301; and Corine Aiken, Chehalis Timberland Library Community Librarian, 748-3301.

This summer, children entering the third or fourth grade can not only cuddle up with a good book and read—they can read to one of the world’s best listeners: a dog. The Chehalis Timberland Library and the local Delta Society Pet Partners are teaming up to offer kids in the Chehalis area the first official PAWS to READ program series to be held in a public library in Washington.

To introduce the program, families are invited to a PAWS to READ Open House from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 12 at the library, 76 NE Park Street, Chehalis. "They can meet registered Delta Society Pet Partner dogs, including Buddy and Snarf, and their handlers and see for themselves the magic of kids and dogs reading together," said Ellen Duffy, Timberland Regional Library’s Youth Services Coordinator. Information about Pet Partners’ Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) program and tips for parents on raising readers and reading aloud will be available. "Teaming kids and books with friendly and attentive dogs spells reading success and fun for both avid and reluctant readers," said Duffy.

Registration and parent permission will be required for children to read with the dogs. Anyone unable to attend the open house can pick up the needed form at the library. Fifteen-minute reading sessions will be scheduled for Saturday mornings, June 19 and 26, and July 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. Children may be registered for one to four sessions. A selection of books to read will be available at the library or a child may bring a personal favorite. After each session, readers will receive a bookmark and stamp with a picture of the dog they read to that day.

The local PAWS to READ program is modeled on the successful program introduced by a nurse in Utah. Local human and animal teams are registered with National Delta Society Pet Partners. The dogs have the ability and character to perform reliably at hospitals, convalescent homes, schools and libraries. Besides reading with kids, Buddy and Snarf spend time with patients at Providence St. Peter Hospital.

For more information, please call the Chehalis Timberland Library at 748-3301.