LOCAL LIBRARY EVENT COMBINES TALES WITH TAILS
Charlotte’s Web, Green Eggs and Ham, Harry Potter—the shelves of the local Atlanta- Fulton Public Library System are full of these and other classic children’s books. All branches, including Buckhead and Sandy Springs, also host a variety of free kid-friendly events, from book clubs to after school story times. But perhaps the most charming are the regular Reading Paws events where youngsters read to trained therapy dogs. Put on by volunteers of area groups such as Happy Tails Pet Therapy, the sessions are held monthly at the Buckhead location and most Wednesdays in Sandy Springs. “They’re open to anyone—kids who like dogs; kids who like to read,” says Amy Alexander, a librarian at the Buckhead library, “but the main purpose is to help kids to develop [skills for] reading out loud.” Reciting “Sam I am” to a trained dog like Sedona, a gorgeous golden retriever who loves to listen, can be less intimidating and helps build self-confidence. Plus it’s good, clean tail-wagging fun. Sessions are 15 minutes each; registration required. – JB
READING PAWS
Free
Buckhead: Nov. 12 and Dec. 3
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
404.814.3500
Sandy Springs: Nov. 2, 9 and 16
3:15-4:15 p.m.
404.303.6130
afpls.org
