Reading aloud to a child’s best friend

A literacy program, “Paws to Read,” has children, who are cardholders of the Peninsula Public Library in Lawrence from grades pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, reading aloud to a specially-trained dog named Wilson to improve their skills and build self-esteem.

Wilson, known as “Willie” to the children, who obeys several commands, belongs to Arela Miller, a Lawrence resident who found him at a rescue shelter. Wilson’s training was provided by the New Jersey-based nonprofit organization Therapy Dogs International. The reading program offers about 60 slots every week. The children read for 10-minute intervals, one-on-one with Willie.

“I love being able to do this for the kids,” Miller said. “He’s very smart. When children come over to him, he’s very gentle. He benefits everyone, not just our family.”

Peninsula Public Library Children’s Librarian Ilene Madden initiated the reading program last fall. “A dog will not correct the children or make them feel awkward if they stumble on a word,” she said. “This program allows the children to read aloud to Willie in order to improve their reading and communication skills. They read individually to feel comfortable and confident, and most of all, have fun.”

Tzivia Adler said the program has helped advance her daughter academic progress. “Her reading comprehension has improved so much,” Adler said. “This spills over into her Common Core math. She’s improved tremendously. She’s had to concentrate on every word she reads, but at her last parent-teacher conference, she showed much improvement.”

The program expects to add more dates and more dogs beginning April 1. It’s first come, first serve to Peninsula Public Library cardholders only, and then other children may sign up.

“Like all of our programs, it’s free,” Madden said. “We accommodate private schools. We also want to reach out more to special needs kids, and children who are experiencing interacting with dogs for the first time. Sometimes the kids come in afraid of dogs, and leave wanting to adopt a dog of their own. This is great for them to socialize with them.”

Tehila Weider, 10, a student at the Torah Academy for Girls in Queens said she enjoys reading “Thea Stilton and the Chocolate Sabotage” to Willie. “I love to read all the time to Willie,” she said. “My favorite part of my book was when the burglars were hijacking the chocolate truck.”

Madden said she is grateful for the support of the library for her projects and ideas. “Carolynn (Matulewicz) is an open minded director,” she said.
The program will resume on April 1. For more information, contact the library at www.peninsulapubliclibrary.org or call (516) 239-3262, ext. 211.