TACOMA – University Place Pierce County Library will be the third Pierce County Library to host the very popular program for children to read with dogs—Tutors with Tails. 

Tutors with Tails is a humane education program with The Humane Society for Tacoma/Pierce County, which offers children an opportunity to improve their reading skills and learn about responsible pet guardianship.

Tutors with Tails will be at University Place Library, 3605 Bridgeport Way W., Saturdays, 10 a.m.-Noon, May 13 and 27, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, and Aug. 12 and 26.  Kids in grades 1st-6th may register at the library or call (253) 565-9447.

“Reading with the dogs is tremendous in helping kids gain confidence and pride in their reading skills,” said Neel Parikh, library director for the Library System.  “Dogs are excellent reading companions.  The dogs cozy right up to the kids and don’t critique or judge the young readers.”

More than 100 books have been especially chosen for the program with something for all reading levels.  At the program, kids will read aloud to a therapy dog for 15 minute sessions. 

“Through our program we stress the importance of dog bite safety and respect and responsibility for companion animals,” said Patty Rusnak, volunteer coordinator for Tutors with Tails.

Hundreds of kids at Lakewood and Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Libraries have participated in the successful Tutors for Tails program.

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 12th, 2006 at 9:15 pm and is filed under Press Releases.

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