read to dogs header featuring Pumba, Kimchi, and Harper
Connect with the Library:

Read to Dogs

Come read to Reading Dogs Pumba and Harper at the Downtown Children’s Library, or visit Kimchi at the Burbank Branch!

Read to Dogs is a quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program 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.

Each dog visits the library once per month. Please check the calendar below for dates, times, and location. Spots are limited. We encourage readers to sign up in advance to reserve their 15-minute reading session. 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: to reserve a spot with Pumba or Harper at the Downtown Library on Monument Square: childrens@portlib.org, 207-771-2707. To reserve a spot with Kimchi at the Burbank branch on Stevens Ave: burbank@portlib.org, 207-774-4229.

For Caregivers: because spaces are limited, we 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 for any reason, please call or email us (contact info listed above).

About Pumba: Pumba is an 12-year-old Pug. 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 Harper: Harper is a 6-year-old golden retriever and Bernese mountain dog mix. She loves playing in the woods, swimming in the ocean, catching frisbees, and exploring new places. She likes books that include magic, dogs, and snacks, but her favorite part about reading is being close to people who will pet her!

About Kimchi: Kimchi is a 7-year-old Pyrenees and Labrador mix, who is the most gentle giant and loves relaxing, being read to, and kids. She gives the most encouraging wag when anyone pays attention to her and makes everyone she meets smile.

 

Upcoming Events:
Apr01
Read to Harper!
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Children's Library Audience: Kids & Families Come read to Harper 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 required.
Apr10
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! 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.
Apr17
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families 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.
Apr24
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is required.
May06
Read to Harper!
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Children's Library Audience: Kids & Families Come read to Harper 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 required.
May08
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! 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.
May15
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families 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.
May22
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is required.
Jun03
Read to Harper!
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Children's Library Audience: Kids & Families Come read to Harper 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 required.
Jun12
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! 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.
Jun19
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families 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.
Jun26
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is required.
Jul01
Read to Harper!
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Children's Library Audience: Kids & Families Come read to Harper 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 required.
Jul10
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! 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.
Jul17
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families 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.
Jul24
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is required.
Aug05
Read to Harper!
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Children's Library Audience: Kids & Families Come read to Harper 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 required.
Aug14
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! 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.
Aug21
Read to Pumba!
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Downtown Library Audience: Kids & Families 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.
Aug28
Read to Kimchi!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Burbank Branch Audience: Kids & Families, Kids Programs Come read to Kimchi, a Pyrenees and Labrador mix, at the Burbank Branch! This quiet, calm, one-on-one reading program is meant to help children gain confidence in their reading abilities. Advanced sign-up is required.