If you visit a library in Naperville on a Saturday morning, you may hear laughing children along with an occasional bark. That’s because Naperville’s Libraries sponsor a fantastic program that gives kids the opportunity to practice their reading skills on the most kind, lovable and encouraging audience possible: a dog. It’s all about having fun while learning to become better readers. Better yet? It’s free!

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A few short years ago, two librarians, Carla Eisley and Karen Burke, had a great idea inspired by their love for children and animals. Like a dog with a bone, they were determined and they refused to see their great idea buried. They dug up support with dogged persistence, navigating endless red tape, sniffing out the latest research and writing proposals. Finally, their hard

work paid off and their vision became a reality through an incredible community program called Bark for Books.

Designed for 1st through 5th graders, Bark for Books gives young readers a nonthreatening, low-stress opportunity to practice reading aloud and build confidence. It works so well because dogs are all ears and nonjudgmental, patient listeners who don’t care if every word is pronounced correctly or if the reader struggles a bit. The result is that children can read without fear of criticism.

What’s more, it’s ideal for all kids, whether they already like reading or not. “If your child loves to read, this is the program for them,”

Carla says. “If your child hates to read, this is REALLY the program for them.”

As successful as it’s been, it wasn’t easy getting Bark for Books up and running. Carla and Karen are librarians, however, and if there’s one thing a librarian knows how to do, it’s how to network — and that’s precisely what they did.

“We learned that Terri Hancock, the Naperville Area Humane Society’s Education Manager, was offering a seminar. Her program had already been in existence for two years,” Carla explains.

“Karen and I decided to attend, thinking we might learn something helpful. We were inspired! We were excited! We left the meeting with a partner and a special bond with the Humane Society. How fortunate to find an organization in our same town with the same mission. We’ve grown and continue to grow together. We have pride in that our partnership works. We owe Terri so much.”

Paws for Tales, the program operated through the Naperville Area Humane Society, is undeniably very successful and, along with their certified dogs, Hancock’s volunteers also participate in the library’s reading program.

“Our love for animals, and a desire to teach kids to be humane and kind to all living beings is the reason we do this,” Terri says. “As volunteers, we see immediate results. The program improves reading skills. At the end of the day, it’s heartwarming to know we have made a difference.”

The library has also partnered with PAWSitive Therapy Troupe, which is coordinated by Becky Jankowski. Although most well known for their dog-only production of the Mutt Cracker during the Holiday Season, the Troupe’s group of friendly, trained dogs are willing to listen as well.

Retired special education teacher Karen Click acts as the volunteer coordinator for the group. She is passionate about the role she and her two shelties, Nutmeg and Cinnamon, perform for the program. “It’s magic! The kids really think the dogs understand,” she says. “It’s nonthreatening to read to a dog and so pleasurable.”

Karen recalls one morning in particular that especially touched her: “One little boy was somewhat fearful, but once he was finished reading to my dog, he got up and bravely decided to read to another. He couldn’t wait! He was no longer afraid and so proud of himself.”

Stories like these, with a positive outcome, give her great satisfaction. “I am not there to teach. I am not there to correct,” Karen says with a chuckle. “I am there to simply foster the pure joy of reading; that’s all. I hold my dog’s leash and besides that, the only reason I’m there is because my dogs can’t drive!

“I know the kids get a lot from the program, but I get something out of it as well,” Karen adds. “Knowing that I am a proud ambassador for well-trained dogs is my reward. My dogs weren’t born any better than any others. They weren’t bred to do anything out of the ordinary; they are just my pets! I have put the time and energy into their training.

“Shelters are full of dogs that ate a couch or jumped on people, but these dogs were doing what dogs do! They are not bad dogs, but nobody ever told them to behave any differently. These dogs just need somebody to care, somebody to take the time and give them some training. I hope people notice my well-behaved dogs as we volunteer in the library. I want to be a good example of how rewarding pets can be when they are trained.”

Two Bostons, a popular local pet supply and boutique has also climbed on board to assure the program’s success. Once a child has participated in the program, not only do they leave with a commemorative bookmark, but they also earn a certificate to be presented in the store where they are given a reward. What’s more, to keep the volunteering dogs comfortable, Two Bostons has also generously donated blankets and water bowls. And what is perhaps their most appreciated contribution is their donation of 50 books!

Observing a young child reading to a dog is not only one of the cutest and most heartwarming displays of the special human-dog bond, but it also proves how beneficial this activity is for the kids. The child is relaxed as they gently pet the dog while reading.

Many of the dogs snuggle right up to the reader like they’re old friends. Cisco, Terri’s Hancock’s sweet beagle, dozes off and snores very loudly. The children think it’s funny and don’t mind because they think they’ve successfully read him a great bedtime story.

Many of the dogs teach the children lessons about life in general. Some of the dogs are huge and some are small. Some are white, some are black and some are black and white. All are unique individuals. Many are adopted and many were homeless at one time; some are less than perfect. Spirit, a gentle giant with three legs doesn’t let his handicap stop him and the kids see that. All are loveable, no matter what!

Aidan, a first grader, gave the program two thumbs up as he shared his memorable event with his classmates. He wrote, “Have you ever read to a dog? That’s right, I read to a

dog! Can you believe it? I got to choose books and also I got to pet the dog.”

When an event inspires a child not only to read, but also to write? That’s success!

Want to contribute to the ongoing success of the Bark for Books program? Participate with your child, donate to one of the participating groups to fund book purchases or consider volunteering with your dog. To learn more or inquire about the upcoming schedule, please visit www.Naperville-Lib.org . All dogs who participate in the Bark for Books program are tested for reliable temperaments and certified as a Canine Good Citizen, Delta-Pet Partner or certified therapy dog.

Photo courtesy of Naperville Public Library and Bark for Books therapy dog volunteers.