March 17, 2006 - It'll Be A Dog Gone Good Time At The Waggin' Tales "Pawtograph Party."

Waggin' Tales, St. Lucie County Library's most unique reading program, will celebrate its first anniversary next month. On April 8, 2006 at the Morningside Branch Library, located at 2410 S.E. Morningside Blvd in Port St. Lucie and on April 15, 2006 at the Fort Pierce Branch Library, located at 101 Melody Lane in Downtown Fort Pierce, guests may come to a "Pawtograph Party". The events will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in both locations. Guests may bring a favorite book and select a Waggin' Buddy to sign it with their paw print. The Pawtograph Parties will feature prizes, refreshments, raffles and of course, the furry canine friends of the Waggin' Tales Program.

Modeled after the national R.E.A.D. program (Reading Education with Assistance Dogs), the St. Lucie County Library System has completed its first year of the successful program where children participate by reading aloud to a therapy dog. With the help of library volunteers, children acquire vital reading skills and overcome fears of reading aloud. Participants spend 15 minutes reading to a therapy dog each week over a four-week period. After filling up a frequent readers' card, the participants will earn the privilege of choosing a book to keep with a therapy dog signing or "pawtographing" that book.

National studies of similar programs have shown an increase in reading comprehension skills by as much as two grade levels. The same studies have also shown that some children's social skills have increased outside the program. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to teach children how to be safe around animals.

The St. Lucie County Library System continues to look for volunteers to help with the tutoring program, as well as therapy dogs and handlers to participate. The animals involved in the "Waggin' Tales" program must go through therapy dog training and be certified with a therapy agency. For information about the "Pawtograph Party" or to volunteer, contact Dorothy Blair, Librarian, at (772) 462-2199 or e-mail: blaird@co.st-lucie.fl.us.