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Connect with the Library:

Read to Dogs

Come read to Pumba the Pug or Teddy the Golden Retriever at the Children’s Library Downtown!

This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. This program is open to all young readers, from those just beginning to read to those looking to practice their skills with a furry, kind companion.

Dogs visit every first Wednesday and third Tuesday of the month from 4 to 5 PM (see dates below). Spots are limited. We encourage readers to sign up in advance to reserve their 15-minute session with Pumba or Teddy. Children can bring their own books or pick a book from the library’s collection. Walk-in readers are welcome but a spot is not guaranteed.


How to sign up: caregivers can register their reader by calling the Children’s Library, emailing us, or by visiting in-person.

For Caregivers: because spaces are limited, Pumba and Teddy ask that you arrive on time for your session. If you are late, we will only be able to give you the time remaining, or we may need to reschedule you. If you need to cancel or can’t make it, please email childrens@portlib.org or, if less than 24-hours in advance, please call us at the Children’s Library.

About Pumba the Pug: He is 11 years old. He has dipped his paws in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. His favorite cheese is smoked gouda. On average, he sleeps about 17 hours a day. His favorite book is “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss!

About Teddy the Golden Retriever: Teddy is a golden retriever and certified therapy dog! His favorite snack is dog treats and his human mom says he’s a ‘couch potato’.

Upcoming Events:
Oct04
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs, Early Literacy Come read to Pumba the Pug at the Children’s Library Downtown! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is recommended as spots are limited.
Nov01
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs, Early Literacy Come read to Pumba the Pug at the Children’s Library Downtown! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is recommended as spots are limited.
Dec06
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs, Early Literacy Come read to Pumba the Pug at the Children’s Library Downtown! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is recommended as spots are limited.
Jan03
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs, Early Literacy Come read to Pumba the Pug at the Children’s Library Downtown! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is recommended as spots are limited.
Feb07
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs, Early Literacy Come read to Pumba the Pug at the Children’s Library Downtown! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is recommended as spots are limited.
Mar06
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs, Early Literacy Come read to Pumba the Pug at the Children’s Library Downtown! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is recommended as spots are limited.
Apr03
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs, Early Literacy Come read to Pumba the Pug at the Children’s Library Downtown! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is recommended as spots are limited.