Program lets elementary school children read to dogs

Published 09/22/2008 By Matthew Lane

Grace Katherine Holdway snuggles with Charlie the dog while Noah Holdway reads during the Kingsport Library’s ‘Paws to Read’ program. Photo by Ned Jilton II.

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KINGSPORT — Tales were told and tails were wagging Monday evening as the Kingsport Public Library kicked off its new “Paws to Read” children’s program.

The program lets elementary school children (grades 1 to 5) read books, one-on-one, to certified therapy dogs for a 15-minute session. The program is free, with reading sessions scheduled through December.

“I was approached by one of the therapy dog owners who had gone through the training with the dog and wanted to know if we’d be interested in participating,” said Helen Whittaker, library director. “I had read about it in other libraries across the country, and thought it was a really cool program.

“It meshed beautifully, and I said yes.”

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