by Carrie Dos Santos –
The Middlesex County Public Library (MCPL) system’s “Paws to Read” program is a hit for children this summer. Volunteers have well-behaved dogs available for children to read to starting at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesdays at MCPL’s Deltaville branch through July 26, and at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at MCPL’s Urbanna branch through July 27. Parents and guardians should call ahead of time to reserve a time slot.
This program is ideal for beginning readers. Studies show that children who read to animals experience lower anxiety when reading aloud and improved reading skills over time.
