Come! Sit! Read!
Portland Public Library’s Reading Dog program, Come! Sit! Read! will be continuing with our two furry, non-judgmental listeners Emmie and Baxter! Children can sign up for a session to read to these dogs (and their handlers) with a book of their choice. Come! Sit! Read! will be happening at the Sam L. Cohen Children’s Library as well as the Riverton Branch Library.
It has been shown that Library Reading Dogs help children become more confident readers by providing positive and enjoyable experiences. Reading to dogs gives children important extra practice with reading and oral skills. Research studies have shown that reading fluency can increase after participating in a reading to dogs program. Although reading dog programs were started for struggling and reluctant readers, everyone is invited to read with Emmie and Baxter!
The Sam L. Cohen Library will be hosting Emmie on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 3:30-5. Emmie is a 7 year old Golden Retriever that has been a therapy dog since she was very young. When she was just a few months old she would go to a nursing home to delight many elderly people. Since then she has become certified as an official therapy dog. She goes to libraries, schools and hospitals with her handler, Mindy.
Emmie loves taking walks on the beach, chasing balls and being with her family. She loves peanut butter, carrots, bananas and other fruits and vegetables. Emmie is the light of our lives! We hope she can put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. Enjoy your visit with her!
Baxter will be visiting the Riverton Branch Library on the first and third Mondays of the month from 3-4. Baxter is a 3 ½ year old Standard Poodle who has been a therapy dog for over a year. He and his handler, Kevin, also visit New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland and the Falmouth Memorial Library. Baxter enjoys playing Frisbee, chasing tennis balls, and eating cheese.
To read to Emmie please sign up in advance by contacting The Sam L Cohen Children’s Library at 871-1700 ext. 707 or childrens@portlandpubliclibrary.org
To read to Baxter, please sign up in advance by contacting the Riverton Branch Library at 797-2915 or riverton@portlandpubliclibrary.org