The National City library has teamed up with Love on a Leash so children who might not be comfortable reading in front of other people have an opportunity to practice their skills with a trained therapy dog.
A dog “isn’t going to judge someone for their reading skills,” or tell someone they’re saying a word wrong, National City Library and Community Services Director Joyce Ryan said.
“I really want kids to take advantage of our summer reading program and foster that love of reading many of us have. Reading to animals or reading aloud helps kids feel more confident, helps them move forward with love,” Ryan said.
No sign-up is required and kids can “walk right on in” said Ryan and although they are welcome to bring a specific or favorite book to read, National City librarians are also on hand to help children choose a book to read if they would like a little help.
“We always have a selection of books handy but we also have reference librarians as well as library technicians in the children’s section, some who have been here for years and can help kids quickly and easily, and make suggestions based on what they like to read or their interests,” Ryan said.
The program is geared toward children of all ages but the dogs will not turn away an adult. Beyond practicing reading skills, Ryan said, the program also helps develop public speaking skills.
“I think it helps develop confidence. It’s soothing to read to a dog— they’re not going to correct someone’s pronunciation or tell someone they need to speak up,” Ryan said, so they’re especially helpful with English language learners. The library also has STEAM activities designed around science, technology, math and art as well as craft sessions planned as summer unfolds.
“We’re like a train going down the track again after COVID so I can’t predict exactly what’s going to happen as programs start again. We have in-person storytime every Monday at 6 p.m., a lego club, family board game nights and Book Bingo for teens and adults so the fun stuff is not all for little kids,” Ryan said.
Prizes are available for those who win at Book Bingo. Instead of numbers on a bingo sheet, Ryan said, players have squares to check off for categorized books they read such as a book with a green cover, a new book, a sequel. The idea is to provide “different ideas for reading,” Ryan said, with larger prizes tucked away for those ambitious readers who black out the entire game board.
Teens can also learn how to make their own bath bombs during the July 20 craft session, also from 5-6 p.m..
“We’re really excited to open up the library again and we are a county ‘cool zone’ so anyone can come in and hang out,” Ryan said, part of a countywide network of air-conditioned facilities.
The library has moved to a ‘fine free’ model in which patrons will be forgiven all current and previous fines, provided they have not already been sent to a third-party collection agency as part of a larger initiative to encourage residents to utilize the library and return items when finished.
“We’re also opening up the hours starting Aug. 1. We’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Thursdays, from ten in the morning to 6 p.m. on Fridays and from ten to five on Saturdays,” Ryan said.
The library also has a free application so patrons can access the entire catalog, renew and reserve books online from any phone or mobile device.
Looking ahead, the librarian said, staff is already planning fall programming, “hoping to incorporate Hispanic and Filipino heritage months” in the coming year.
“We have a lot of new books on the shelves just waiting for readers. Come on in,” Ryan said.
The National City Library is at 1401 National City Blvd.
