Research shows that therapy dogs can help to reduce anxiety as well as improve focus and attention span. Therapy dogs serve as a calm presence and allow children (and adults) to work to improve literacy, comprehension, and communication with a nonjudgmental listener.
Paws to Read programs are free and available to all children at several libraries and bookstores throughout Central Indiana on certain nights and weekends. Children can register for a special reading time with a therapy dog who will listen and welcome being petted while the child practices reading a story to them.
“Paws to Read” with Adorable Therapy Dogs at Indy Libraries & Bookstores
Meet Booker
Paws to Read
Paws & Think
Paws & Think, the organization behind Paws to Read, is a non-profit organization that strives to offer support for the at-risk population of humans as well as canines. Paws & Think seeks to improve lives through the power of the human-dog connection. Their two-method system involves training therapy animals to participate in animal-assisted therapies for youth, seniors, and individuals with special needs at nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, businesses, events, and in crisis situations.. They also work with at-risk youth and teens to train shelter dogs and learn life skills along the way. Check out the Paws & Think website to find out about the other programs they offer or to become a volunteer!
How to Register for a Library Session
Paws to Read dogs and volunteers can be found at several area public libraries and various branches of the Indianapolis Public Library (see their website for times and locations or contact Paws & Think at 317-520-2729 for times and locations) mostly on nights and weekends.
You can register to participate in Paws to Read visits via each library’s website, by calling the branch, or you can sign up at the library while you’re there cashing in rewards for the summer reading program. Below is the current library visit schedule for Paws to Read.
Paws to Read Library Sessions
Indianapolis Public Library
indypl.org
Times Vary for Each Branch
Brownsburg Public Library
bburglibrary.net
3rd Saturday, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Carmel Clay Public Library
carmelclaylibrary.org
4th Saturday, 10:30am-11:30am
Westfield Washington Public Library
wwpl.lib.in.us
2nd Saturday, 10:30am-11:30am
Greenwood Public Library
greenwoodlibrary.us
2nd Thursday, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Johnson County Public Library – Franklin Branch
pageafterpage.org
Register by calling 317-738-2833 for the Franklin Branch.
3rd Tuesday, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Johnson County Public Library – Trafalgar Branch
pageafterpage.org
Register by calling 317-878-9560 for the Trafalgar Branch.
1st Wednesday, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Curious Squirrel Bookshop
The Curious Squirrel Bookshop on Main Street in downtown Zionsville hosts a live reading program for children ages 5-12 with Paws & Think dogs. Children may register online through their website for a 15-minute session to practice reading to therapy dogs. Reluctant readers are encouraged to sign up!
Therapy Dogs Around Town
Follow Paws & Think online to see where else their therapy dogs might be headed. Paws & Think dogs and volunteers can be found all over town at various events everyday. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs love being petted. Just make sure you make it a habit to always ask permission first before petting a dog.
If you ever find yourself or someone close to you in the hospital, ask to see if there are therapy dogs that make the rounds. Many hospitals have therapy dogs that visit patients upon request. Therapy dogs also visit retirement homes. Check to see if Paws & Think visits or can visit your loved one!
Stay Connected
If you are interested in setting up a Paws to Read therapy dog program at your venue, please fill out the request form on the Paws & Think website to submit your inquiry for review. The request must come from a representative of the organization or venue requesting the program. If you love dogs and are interested in volunteering with Paws & Think, check out all of the different volunteer opportunities on their website.
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