Jordann Schrader loves dogs, and she loves to read. She almost cried when her mother surprised her with her first Paws 2 Read session at Northern Dauphin Library.  

“I like that the dogs usually pay attention a lot,” said the 8-year-old Jordann. 

Reading to dogs, researchers know, is good for kids. They spend more time with books while building their reading comprehension, confidence, self-esteem, and positive attitudes about reading.  

The Library helps ensure those research-backed benefits through Paws 2 Read. The beloved program, available at three Libraries, pairs children with trained therapy dogs for private, supportive reading time.  

“It makes a difference when the kids know that the dogs are focused on them,” said Library Programming and Outreach Administrator Tynan Edwards. “They’re not being judged. You can see that it gives them more confidence to keep reading and trying. They feel like they don’t want to let the dog down.” 

Samantha Lezcano, of Lower Paxton Township, watched her daughter’s confidence bloom during reading sessions with Puzzle, an attentive Dalmatian, at East Shore Area Library. Even Puzzle’s handler commented on the change he’d seen in Adeline, a 9-year-old new to the area since moving here with her mom last year. 

Adeline “really, really, really wants a dog,” said her mother. Paws 2 Read is helping bridge the gap to that day while letting Adeline “be herself.” 

“These are therapy animals, very in tune with your feelings and emotions,” Lezcano said. “That’s why I think Adeline feels comfortable reading to dogs. There isn’t much pressure she can get from reading around other kids, a teacher, or even if she’s reading with me. It’s just becomes a passive, peaceful environment when you’re reading to an animal.” 

The Library’s Paws 2 Read is for any child aged 6 to 11, but it’s especially beneficial for children with reading difficulties. Parents appreciate it, too, because they don’t have to correct their child’s mispronunciations or mistakes. 

“Trained therapy dogs don’t paw at you for attention,” said Edwards. “They’re like a security blanket for the child. That means the kid only has to focus on the page.” 

Children form special bonds with their Paws 2 Read companions at their Libraries.  

“The kids know the dogs,” said Edwards. “They know the people who own the dogs. It is really a larger community effort to bring that many people together. It’s all about the joy of reading to somebody without any judgment.” 

Jordann’s mom, Carla Schrader, of Halifax, registered for Paws 2 Read because her daughter loves dogs, and she loves reading.  

“This was a different audience,” Schrader said. “She’s comfortable with reading, but it was fun for her and more uplifting because she was reading to a dog. The dog sometimes would come and lie right next to her. One dog licked her face one time. Dogs bring calmness because they’re just there. It’s more relaxing.” 

At East Shore Library, Puzzle was always happy to see Adeline when she walked in the door. Sometimes, Adeline wasn’t even reading but would give Puzzle treats and play with him.  

At a recent parent-teacher conference, the teacher was excited to share Adeline’s progress. She had come into the classroom as a new student in school, but she had grown academically and in confidence and classroom participation.  

“It was great to hear him say how she’s become more confident and come out of her shell a little bit more,” said Lezcano. “He said she’ll give him high fives and hug him. She’ll raise her hand. She’ll talk more in class. Overall, Paws 2 Read has helped build her confidence over several environments, not just at home and in The Library. It’s transitioning over into school as well.”  

Paws 2 Read: For children ages 6 to 11 years, monthly dates at Northern Dauphin, East Shore Area, and Elizabethville libraries. For information and to register for 15-minute appointments, visit dcls.org, or find a QR code in Compass.