For centuries, dogs have been given the title of “Man's Best Friend.” Now, we can give them a new title, “Man's Best Reading Partner.” At the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library in Monticello, the “Paws and Read” program has become a favorite for many of the library's younger patrons.

The “Paws and Read” program began in April of 2017 and since that time the library has run over twenty events in which children between the ages of five through twelve read aloud to a furry friend. Each event has approximately a dozen children who are eager to read their favorite books to a dog or other small furry friends.

Through a partnership with a local chapter of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization whose main goal is to train dogs, primarily German Shepherds and Labradors, to be companions to those in need, children are able to practice their reading and comprehension skills.

Cheryl Jones, Youth Services Librarian, says that the collaboration with Guiding Eyes for the Blind has helped the library and its patrons since its conception.

For Jones, “What we are doing is creating a really interesting partnership that allows kids the ability to improve their reading skills and their confidence in their reading by reading to an animal who isn't going to judge them for stumbling over a word or misspeaking.”

Additionally, children who have had negative experiences with animals can be exposed to a dog that has been trained to help people rather than harm them.

Jones described one young girl who had been attacked by a dog causing her to develop a strong aversion to these pets. By attending these events regularly, the young girl has become more and more comfortable around dogs, and so have other children.

Kaylie, a 14-month-old female German Shepherd, has been working with her trainer Barbara Ward-Blank since she was a puppy. By attending these library events, Kaylie is gaining valuable socialization skills by learning how to behave around people of different ages and sizes. Furthermore, she is learning how to calmly adapt to various environments and situations, and being around young children shows that Kaylie is truly able to stay calm and relaxed.

Ward-Blank has been working with this organization and training dogs since 2010 and Kaylie is the fifth dog that she has trained. For her, training dogs like Kaylie is a passion. “I really like the idea that we're helping someone gain independence.” Furthermore, these dogs provide people with the freedom “to do what they want to do instead of having to depend on anybody taking them everywhere.”

Although Ward-Blank has grown quite fond of Kaylie, the dog's training period will soon be up and she will be given to someone who will be able to accomplish more in their lives due to help they receive from these dogs.

At first, some children are hesitant to approach Kaylie due to her size, but within minutes they are curled around her as they listen to others reading aloud. When it is their turn, they face Kaylie who peacefully listens to the new and exciting story. And at the end of each event, each reader is awarded a paw signed certificate that thanks them for reading to Kaylie and encourages them to read more.

The next “Paws and Read” event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 6 from 4 - 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. For additional information on this event and others, visit www.ebcpl.org.