Children can practice reading by reading to dogs at the Port Angeles, Sequim and Forks public libraries monthly beginning in September through the Paws to Read program.
Dogs and trainers from Olympic Gentle Paws Therapy Dog Club will be available in the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. the first Thursday of every month, September through April, except January.
Dogs and trainers will visit the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave., from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month, September through May.
In Forks, Paws to Read takes place at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 28 and Nov. 18.
Research shows that the more a child reads, the more their reading skills improve, according to the North Olympic Library System, which oversees the libraries.
“Reading to a dog or other pet provides a nonjudgmental audience and encourages children to read with confidence,” library staff said.
For more information about this and other programs for youths, email youth@nols.org or visit www.nols.org.