I think we can all agree — Dr. Suess’s One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish is always better sitting next to a calm, cinnamon-colored golden retriever on a soft rug at your local library. Well, thanks to READing Paws, you have your shot to make this dream come true at various Middle Tennessee libraries in the month of September.
READing Paws is a nonprofit organization who’s mission is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of nationally registered therapy animal-owner/handler teams as literacy mentors. The animals love to listen and look at the pictures. They encourage the students to practice their READing skills and enjoy books.
The events are free, but registration is required. Here are the upcoming oppportunities to crack open a book with a furry friend:
READing Paws Franklin
Sept. 11 (read with Sadie)
Sept. 25 (Read with Lucy)
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Williamson County Public Library
1314 Columbia Avenue, Franklin
Kids ages 6 – 12 can come read with a trained therapy dog. Registered children will be scheduled to read at 10 minute intervals. Call the children’s department, 615-595-1244, following registration to obtain an assigned time. Register for Sept. 11 here. Register for Sept. 25 here.
READing Paws Green Hills
Sept. 11, 25, Oct 9, 23, Nov 13
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Green Hills Library
3701 Benham Avenue, Nashville
Visit the story room for a chance to cuddle up with a canine friend who will listen while you read. Bring your own book or choose one from the library. Registration is required. Call 615-862-5863 to reserve your spot! For children in Kindergarten and older.
READing PAWS Nashville
1st Saturdays, Sep 4, Oct 2, Nov 6
1 – 2 p.m.
Nashville Public Library
615 Church St, Nashville
Children ages 5-12 are welcome to come and read to a live, furry friend the first Saturday of each month at Nashville Public Main Library (615 Church Street, Nashville) from 1 – 2 p.m. Registration is required by calling 615-862-5785. Check in at the Children’s Dept. desk upon arrival.
READing PAWS Old Hickory
Thursdays, Sep 16, Oct 21, Nov 18
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Nashville Public Library Old Hickory Branch
1010 Jones St, Old Hickory
Visit the story room for a chance to cuddle up with a canine friend who will listen while you read! Bring your own book or choose one from the library. Registration is required. Call 615-862-5869 to reserve your spot! For children in Pre-K and older.
READing Paws Nolensville
Sept. 11, 25 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Sept. 14, 28 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Nolensville Library
915 Oldham Drive, Nolensville
Join a specially trained reading dog with the nonprofit Reading Paws, for a reading session at Nolensville Library. Pick a book from the library or bring your own. Call 615-776-5490 for more information.
READing Paws Murfreesboro
Sept. 13
3:30 – 5 p.m.
Linebaugh Library
105 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro
Come read to Stevie, Linebaugh Library’s friendly Reading Education Assistance Dog, from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. Advance Registration is required. Contact the Linebaugh Library Youth Services Department for more details by calling 615-893-4131 x 114.
PAWsome Reading Brentwood
Sept. 25
12 – 2 p.m.
Brentwood Library
8109 Concord Road, Brentwood
Improve literacy skills by reading with Shiloh for 20 minutes between at Brentwood Library. Sign up for your time slot by calling 615-371-0090 or at brentwood-tn.libcal.com!
Read Along Hendersonville & Giant Flemish Bunnies
Sept. 30 | 4 p.m.
Hendersonville Public Library
140 Saundersville Road, Hendersonville
Visit HPL to see Giant Flemish bunnies! HPL also offers “Read Alongs With Hollie” in the children’s sensory room for children on the Autism Spectrum each Monday at 11:30 a.m. Call 615-824-0656 or more info.
