The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is pleased to announce that its Ruff Readers Read-to-the-dogs program was recently recognized with the Wisconsin Library Association's (WLA) Highsmith Award as a program of outstanding contribution to its patrons and community.
The collaboration between the Racine Public Library and the members of the Racine Kennel Club gives the children of Racine an opportunity to practice their reading skills with non-judgmental listeners – certified therapy dogs that visit the library with their handlers. The program fosters a love of reading with the 1,000 directly participating children and a relationship between local schools and the library. As well, the unique event motivates pre-readers to begin reading, and even helps patrons learn more about pet ownership and interactions with animals.
The fall season of Ruff Readers begins Monday, September 21 and runs through November 12, 2009. Students in grades 1-5 may visit the Youth Services department on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m., and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. to enjoy a 15-minute private session reading to these gentle listeners. Although registration is not required, time slots are available on a first come/first serve basis unless a child calls ahead to reserve a spot. Slots may be reserved ahead of time by contacting the Library at 262.636.9245. Students who attend 3 or more reading sessions will have their picture taken with their favorite listening dog. These pictures will then be made into a keepsake "READ" postcard for the child to take with them and to have posted on a library display.
Studies have shown that children find reading to an animal less intimidating than reading to adults or peers. This unique event can transform a sometimes dreaded reading experience into a positive activity in which learning is facilitated. The Ruff Readers program is designed to encourage children to embrace the joy and fun of reading. Although the handlers and their dogs are wonderful listeners, they are not able to tutor children in reading skills. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite reading material or ask a librarian for a recommended selection. The WLA Awards program, in addition to support from the Highsmith Corporation, is supported by the WLA Foundation, through individual charitable contributions. The WLA brings together and supports people from all types of libraries to advance library and information services in the state. The awards program is one way the association acknowledges the dedication of its members to provide exemplary library service to the people of Wisconsin.
For more information about the Ruff Readers program, please contact the Racine Public Library at 262-636-9245. For a complete up-to-the-minute account of what's new at the library, visit us on-line! You'll find the Racine Public Library on the web at facebook.com, rplinfo.blogspot.com, and most recently at twitter.com/racinelibrary (get hourly recommendations of new books being added!).
The collaboration between the Racine Public Library and the members of the Racine Kennel Club gives the children of Racine an opportunity to practice their reading skills with non-judgmental listeners – certified therapy dogs that visit the library with their handlers. The program fosters a love of reading with the 1,000 directly participating children and a relationship between local schools and the library. As well, the unique event motivates pre-readers to begin reading, and even helps patrons learn more about pet ownership and interactions with animals.
The fall season of Ruff Readers begins Monday, September 21 and runs through November 12, 2009. Students in grades 1-5 may visit the Youth Services department on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m., and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. to enjoy a 15-minute private session reading to these gentle listeners. Although registration is not required, time slots are available on a first come/first serve basis unless a child calls ahead to reserve a spot. Slots may be reserved ahead of time by contacting the Library at 262.636.9245. Students who attend 3 or more reading sessions will have their picture taken with their favorite listening dog. These pictures will then be made into a keepsake "READ" postcard for the child to take with them and to have posted on a library display.
Studies have shown that children find reading to an animal less intimidating than reading to adults or peers. This unique event can transform a sometimes dreaded reading experience into a positive activity in which learning is facilitated. The Ruff Readers program is designed to encourage children to embrace the joy and fun of reading. Although the handlers and their dogs are wonderful listeners, they are not able to tutor children in reading skills. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite reading material or ask a librarian for a recommended selection. The WLA Awards program, in addition to support from the Highsmith Corporation, is supported by the WLA Foundation, through individual charitable contributions. The WLA brings together and supports people from all types of libraries to advance library and information services in the state. The awards program is one way the association acknowledges the dedication of its members to provide exemplary library service to the people of Wisconsin.
For more information about the Ruff Readers program, please contact the Racine Public Library at 262-636-9245. For a complete up-to-the-minute account of what's new at the library, visit us on-line! You'll find the Racine Public Library on the web at facebook.com, rplinfo.blogspot.com, and most recently at twitter.com/racinelibrary (get hourly recommendations of new books being added!).
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