On Sept. 28, the Lethbridge Public Library’s Main Branch presents “Paws and Pages,” where children can read to pets.
According to the library, the program is a heartwarming reading experience, where children read aloud to some furry friends. The program fosters reading skills and kindness towards animals in a fun and memorable way.
Register your child starting Sept. 9 at lethlib.ca/events. “Paws and Pages” begins at 1 p.m.
Laurie Darveau from Children Services says volunteer dogs and their humans will be on location. “Kids can book times to read to those dogs in 15-minute increments.”
The dogs and dog owners are part of a pet therapy program for patients at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
There are two additional sessions coming up at the library Oct. 26 and Nov. 30. Other libraries in Calgary, Red Deer and throughout North America have similar programs.
“It’s been shown reading aloud to animals can be beneficial for kids, particularly with improving their reading fluency and their confidence. It’s something libraries have started to tap into and we’re happy to be a part of it,” Darveau explains.
So far, Darveau adds, the program only features dogs. “But maybe in the future, we’ll be able to expand it to other sorts of therapy animals.”
On Sept. 29, the Main Branch will hold an Orange Shirt Awareness Walk starting at 11 a.m.
Participants can meet at the Main Branch for an awareness walk to Galt Gardens and back in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An Open Mic will follow for those participants who would like to express themselves through a poem, book reading, music, song or share their experiences of residential schools and their inter-generational impacts.
Indigenous Services Facilitator Natasha Fox says everyone is welcome to wear orange. “We’ll also be making some T-shirts at the library beforehand.”
“This is the second annual awareness walk we’ve had. The first awareness walk was last year and it was a great success. We had approximately 30 to 40 participants join us. It was really great,” adds Fox.
Fox notes it’s a safe space for everyone to come meet, wear their orange shirt and bring recognition to what truth and reconciliation and the calls to action mean for them.
