Regular Programs

Paws to Read

Program Description

Paws to Read is a literacy program presented by the Goleta Library and the Channel City Kennel Club.  Children spend 20 minutes reading to a registered therapy dog.  Dogs serve as a nonjudgmental and nonthreatening audience, helping children gain confidence and skill in reading.  The program is open to children who can read in kindergarten through sixth grade.  Children must preregister for one of six weekly 20 minute time slots.  The Paws to Read program reinforces reading as a fun activity and encourages children to be lifelong readers. 

Similar programs have shown promising results in improvement of children’s reading skills.  In 1999 Intermountain Therapy Animals started Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) “as the first comprehensive literacy program built around the appealing idea of reading to dogs” (Intermountain Therapy Animals 2009).  The Salt Lake City Public Library (SLCPL) was the first institution to establish a READ pilot program and found the program to be hugely successful.  According to Dana Tumpowsky, the community relations manager for SLCPL, participants experienced an increase in reading ability and self esteem (Hughes 2002, p. 328).  According to Intermountain Therapy Animals Executive Directive Kathy Klotz all participants in the first pilot program gained at least two reading levels over the course of 13 months (Bueche 2003, p. 46).  The READ pilot program was launched in 2000 at Bennion Elementary School also of Salt Lake City and consisted of ten children who read to a therapy dog once a week for 20 minutes from March of 2000 to June of 2001.  Teachers reported that all of the children’s’ reading scores improved significantly.  The 2006 Tales of Joy READ program (location is not specified) also reported an increase in reading ability in almost all of the programs participants (Intermountain Therapy Animals).

Costs

There are no monetary costs associated with the Paws to Read program.

Staff/Volunteers

One staff person is needed to manage this program, which entails scheduling Channel City Kennel Club volunteer handlers and their dogs and child participants.  Two volunteer handlers and their dogs are needed for one hour each week of the program. 

Marketing/Advertising

Flyers advertising the program are available for parents to pick up in the children’s section.  The program will also be advertised on the library webpage and in the library with signage.  We will also advertise the program on Santa Barbara ParentsClick.com and send press releases to local newspapers, TV stations and radio stations.  

Family Game Night

Program Description

Family Game Night is a simple and inexpensive program which occurs monthly on the first Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM.  Family Game Night provides families with the opportunity to shut off their televisions, get out of the house, and experience some family bonding.  Families and children of all ages are welcome to attend.  The library has several board games patrons are welcome to play or families can bring their own games.  For the youngest children, the Family Place Play area will be set up where toddlers and babies can play with puzzles and manipulatives.  

Cost

There is no monetary cost associated with this program.

Staff/Volunteers

One staff member should be available to check up games to patrons and set up the multipurpose room for the event.  

Marketing/Advertising

This event will be advertised on the library website and in the library with flyers.