Taking a ‘Paws’ for Reading at the library

By David Jablonski Managing Editor

Reading is a wonderful tool for learning, as well as a great escape into worlds of adventure, but some children need a little encouragement, both to read aloud and with others. Fortunately, the Cranford Public Library has something perfect to help encourage children to read: “Paws” For Reading.

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This program has been offered since before she started working at the library eight years ago, said Lauren Antolino, principal librarian for the Children’s Department of the Cranford Public Library, 224 Walnut Ave., Cranford, in an interview with LocalSource on Monday, Feb. 13.

“We took a little break during the pandemic and had a virtual option, but now we’re back to once a month,” said Antolino. “We have certified therapy dogs come into the library. The children get a 10minute session with the dogs, where they can read to the dogs. And the dogs, since they are therapy dogs, have a very relaxed temperament.”

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Antolino explained that there is a certification process the dogs go through and, once they are certified, they can work with people. She said the group they work with is called The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc., out of Morris Plains. Authorized in all 50 states, this charitable organization will go to assisted living facilities, hospitals and other libraries around the state. “I’ve heard of some libraries having dogs come in during really stressful times, like finals,” Antolino added.

“People who bring their dogs in are volunteers and they do it out of the goodness of their hearts,” she continued. “Tonight, we are having two dogs come in. People who bring dogs in – they’re really nice people. Sometimes, we have more dogs. Last month, we had three, and next month, we have four.”

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The program is an hour long, which is how long the dogs can sit in one place comfortably, said Antolino.

“It’s been really great for the kids, especially children who are a little scared and might not have the confidence or feel comfortable reading to adults or others,” she said. “It’s nice to see them come out of their shells.

“Some parents are putting off getting a dog and this is their dog time.”

Antolino admitted they are getting a pretty good turnout for this event.

“We used to do registration, but now we do no registration,” she said. “People can just show up and reserve a spot when they get here.

“Bright and Beautiful are the ones who are certified and they coordinate the people and dogs who are coming. So they really arrange it. I think people learn about their program that way. It seems to be a real labor of love.”

Antolino said it’s nice to see children building their confidence through “Paws” For Reading, as well as because they love to see the dogs. And she said the dogs are excited, too.

Sometimes, she said the children will hold the book so the dogs can see the