BPL Presents: Read to a Therapy Dog

Calling All Dog Lovers! 

Here at Brooklyn Public Library, we love dogs (and reading, of course!). That is why we are super excited when we get to combine the two. At the Central Library, we are fortunate to partner with the therapy animal organization PET PARTNERS to offer a monthly therapy dog program.

We know from experience that having children read to dogs can help build self-esteem and confidence, while improving their reading skills in a relaxing environment. Due to continued concerns about safety during the pandemic, we are currently offering the program outside on Saturday afternoons as part of our BPL Outdoors event series.

The next program will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2:30. Children can sign up for a slot to read to Angel on the day of the program at the children’s reference desk, which is located inside the Central Library Youth Wing.

Participants are encouraged to pick whatever they would like to read for the program, although the librarians are always available for suggestions. Here are a few books that we recommend checking out if you love dogs!  

DOG MAN: UNLEASHED written & illustrated by Dav Pilkey

When duty calls— Dog Man is there and ready to fight for justice! From the author of Captain Underpants, come this fun comic book series.

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BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE written by Kate DiCamillo 

Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni finds a dog and new friendships after she moves to a small town in Florida. 

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WHISTLE FOR WILLIE written by Ezra Jack Keats  

Peter wants to learn to whistle so he can call his dog Willie. 

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MADELINE FLYNN AND THE LIBRARY DOG written by Lisa Papp  

Reluctant reader Madeline really wants to earn a star at school, so when Mrs. Dimple, the librarian, suggests she read to a dog Madeline gives it a try. 

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WHEN FRIENDSHIP FOLLOWED ME HOME written by Paul Griffin  

A boy's chance encounter with a scruffy dog leads to an unforgettable friendship in this deeply moving story about life, loss, and the meaning of family. 

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Check out this booklist in our catalog with more suggestions for Dog Lovers!