Bow Wow Books

Call it Bow-Wow Books, call it Sit Stay and Read, call it Paws Awhile to Read... they are all names for the same "read to a dog" program at different branches of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. I brought my daughter to "Bow-Wow Books" at the Myers Park branch today. We signed up for a 15-minute time slot when we were at the library last week. The librarian called us on Thursday to remind us. We showed up this morning and Ellie sat on the rug with Champ, an 8-year-old golden retriever who is a certified therapy dog, and his owner. She read two books to Champ (we had brought one from home, but obviously, being the library, there were plenty to pick from there!) while she petted him, then loved on him for a few minutes before letting the next child have his turn.

While Ellie is a reader, the children signed up before her were quite young and Champ's owner read to them. The reader after Ellie was shy and he sat in his mother's lap while she read the book to Champ. So, the program accommodates all levels and personalities. There was a librarian on hand to help with book selections and to keep the schedule going.

On the right-hand side of this page, you can see upcoming programs at the library. Or you can check out the schedule of all programs at all branches by clicking here. Or you can check with your local branch--it looks like Myers Park, Morrison Regional, and Mint Hill branches all offer this program. Sign up ahead of time at the branch.

To Do: Encourage your young reader and greet a friendly dog at the library.