Centralia-area children have an opportunity to read to some of the world’s best listeners—dogs—when the Centralia Timberland Library hosts the PAWS to R.E.A.D.® Pet Partners of Olympia and its "PAWS to Read" program on two Saturdays, October 13 and 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. The program is for children from about age 6 to 12 and their parents and is designed to enhance a child’s interest in reading and to promote a regard for animals. Register by calling (360) 736-0183.

During the program, dogs and their human partners sit with children as the children read to them. Children who are younger than age six, or who are pre-readers, may have parents do the reading. A variety of books to read will be available at the library or a child may bring a personal favorite.

The dog and handler teams have previously read with young children in other Timberland libraries in Lewis, Thurston and Mason counties. "It’s just magical," said Ellen Duffy, Timberland Regional Library’s Youth Services Coordinator. "Teaming kids and books with gentle and attentive dogs spells reading success and fun for both avid and reluctant readers."

Information about PAWS to R.E.A.D.® Pet Partners and tips for parents on literacy and reading aloud will be available at the programs. R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) are specially trained and registered by Delta Society Pet Partners and R.E.A.D. The organization’s national Web site, www.therapyanimals.org/read/  has more details on the program.