May 2, 2005 - "Pawtography Party" at St. Lucie County's Morningside Library on May 7

To celebrate the kick-off of its newest reading program, the St. Lucie County Library System is hosting a "Pawtography Party" at the Morningside Branch Library on Saturday, May 7 at 10 a.m. This entertaining and educational event is free and recommended for children in the first grade and older.

Modeled after the national R.E.A.D. program (Reading Education with Assistance Dogs), the St. Lucie County Library System has launched its own new program "Waggin' Tales," 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 will 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. Brodart Books has donated more 200 books to the St. Lucie County Library System to give away through the "Waggin' Tales" program.

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 childrens social skills have increased outside the program. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to teach children how to be safe around animals.

"Waggin' Tales" is limited to children in school grades one through 12. No child will be turned away, but pre-registration is a must. This is a free program and will be offered at all library branches as volunteers become available. If there is a waiting list at the end of four weeks, the child may be asked to wait before signing up again. This will enable all children a chance to be part of the program.

The "Pawtograph Party" on May 7 will feature five children who have already completed their four-week session, giving other children a chance to see what the program is like and sign up for future sessions. Refreshments will be served. The Morningside Branch Library is located at 2410 Morningside Blvd. in Port St. Lucie.

The St. Lucie County Library System is also looking 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.