Paws to Read at Matthews Library (ages 5-11)

Does your child need a little confidence boost with reading? This program pairs young readers with volunteer therapy dogs, giving kids a supportive, low-pressure setting to practice their skills. Children sign up for individual 15-minute sessions where they'll read aloud to a calm canine companion—many kids find that reading to a dog feels less intimidating than reading to people, which can help them relax and enjoy the experience more. Sessions fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive early if you want to secure a spot. Registration opens 15 minutes before the program begins. This activity is completely free and welcomes children ages 5–11. It's a wonderful option for reluctant readers or anyone who could use a morale boost in a fun, judgment-free way.