Harlem Devito reads to therapy dog Irish during a Paws-To-Read session at the North Webster Community Public Library. Children may practice their oral reading skills by reading to Irish or Gracie. Photo provided.

News Release

NORTH WEBSTER — Children may read to dogs at the North Webster Community Public Library.

Certified therapy dogs Gracie and Irish continue to come to the library each week for Paws-To-Read. Children may practice their oral reading skills by reading to these gentle canine companions. Gracie and her handler Liz Salerno visit the library 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Mondays while Irish and her handler Stephanie Gagye from Special O.P.S. K-9 Academy are available at the same time on Tuesdays.

Private 15-minute reading sessions with either dog are by appointment only and may be scheduled at the youth services desk or by calling 574-834-7122, ext. 202.

Online fun

The library invites kids to the L.O.F.T. for some Library Online Fun Time at 4 p.m. every Tuesday.

Using the Zoom app, students in grades one through five may log on for interactive fun including scavenger hunts, bingo, crafts, games and stories. To participate in L.O.F.T., parents need to sign their child up at the youth services desk or email [email protected]. They will then receive a weekly email with a Zoom connection link to join the fun.

The library’s website contains many other resources as well including a wide variety of databases, free online courses, videos of past speakers, kids’ games and more.