Phoenix program lets kids read to dogs at libraries to help boost confidence and literary skills

PHOENIX — Valley kids can read “Go Dog Go” — or any other book — with a friendly canine right by their side at their neighborhood library.

Through the Sit, Stay, Read program at the Phoenix Public Library, kids are allowed to read to dogs in an effort to build literary skills and confidence.

The program is featured at seven different library locations around Phoenix, with therapy dogs available for time slots where kids can read a book of their choice to the four-legged listener.

Katie McCormick brings her dog, Maire, a certified therapy dog, to the Cesar Chavez Library nearly every Wednesday.

She said more and more kids have begun attending the event.

“Our numbers have increased to the point where last week we couldn’t see everybody because so many kids wanted to sign up,” McCormick said. “And the other thing that’s really curious to me is that we have some kids that come back every single week, and they’ve formed an attachment with her, so they want to do good.”

McCormick says having a sounding board helps kids learn to read out loud in front of people without fear of judgment.

“When I would get called in school to read out loud, it was terrifying,” she said. “These kids do it all the time, and I think that helps build the confidence that they can sound things out, they can do it out loud.”

Kids who attend a Sit, Stay, Read event are allowed to either bring a book from home or pick out a book at the library to read.

Different therapy dogs attend the events at other library branches. Pictures of the dogs and the libraries they go to can be found on the Phoenix Public Library website.

How can dogs become therapy dogs?

To be certified, a therapy dog must show patience, calmness, friendliness and be at ease in all situations, according to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

The dogs must also be comfortable around all people and enjoy being petted and handled by anyone.

McCormick said Maire was certified after her first birthday and has since worked at hospitals, schools and Sky Harbor International Airport, along with her visits to read with kids at the library.

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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