Making a Difference: Read to Dogs Program

Six year old Zenon Paden never turns down an opportunity to read. That especially true when he gets to read to his special friend Stormy Blue.
She’s one of three service dogs that visit the John Steinbeck and Caesar Chavez Library every week. Six years ago, both libraries started “read to dogs” as part of a nationally recognized campaign. This program gives kids the opportunity to improve their reading skills and build confidence in a safe non-judgement environment.
Kristen Amarol works at the John Steinbeck Library and says, “Kids feel like they can sit there and read, especially kids that are having a problem and don’t feel comfortable reading.” She also says the job of a library is to be a place of information and place that makes kids think.
Zenon’s dad Robert, says he’s seen a dramatic improvement in his son’s reading and more.
“Zennon use to be afraid of dogs, now he’s relaxed with the dogs and that gives all the kids a different change in the environment” said Robert Paden.
It’s an environment that makes reading fun, thanks to some very good listeners. Four legged volunteers, helping to make a difference with the turn of each page.
Reading to Dogs happens each week. It’s offered at the John Steinbeck Library from 3:30 to 4:30 pm Wednesdays and at the Cesar Chavez Library from 10:45 to 11:45 am Saturdays.
If you know someone in the community who is making a difference, we want to hear from you, email us at newstips@kionrightnow.com