Burbank Library Starts PAWS for Reading Program Combining the Joy of Reading with Animal Companionship

In a heartwarming initiative that combines the joy of reading with the comfort of animal companionship, the PAWS for Reading program has been making waves at the Burbank Public Library. Since starting last year, this innovative program has been offering children a unique opportunity to enhance their reading skills in the company of therapy animals.

Twice a month, therapy animals from organizations like BARK Therapy Dogs and Pet Partners grace the library’s halls, ready to lend their furry Support to young readers. The impact has been profound, as evidenced by the heartening testimonials from both participants and volunteers.

The rationale behind PAWS for Reading is firmly rooted in research. According to Jenny Darwent, the youth literacy librarian at Burbank Public Library, studies have shown that children experience less anxiety when reading to therapy animals. This reduction in anxiety translates into improved confidence, fluency, and reading skills—a crucial need, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jenny Darwent emphasizes, “Reading levels have been affected to the detriment of our kids. So this is a good way and a fun way to get kids back in the library.”

Volunteers like Marcy Ellenbogen, from Pet Partners, have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the program. “I’ve had kids say they can’t read and then once they sit for a few minutes with them, all their inhibitions go away and they’ve read entire books to them when they said they can’t read,” she shares.

Parents, too, have observed the positive impact of PAWS for Reading on their children. Nick Coviello, a parent, notes, “I think it gives her practice reading to somebody else,” referring to his daughter’s experience with the program. For many participants like Ben, an 8-year-old, the simple joy of being close to furry animals is reason enough to participate. “I just like being close to furry animals. It makes me feel good,” he explains.

The PAWS for Reading program is open to anyone in the community and takes place every first and third Saturday of the month. You can sign up at burbanklibrary.org.

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