Description: Days/ Times Preferred: Tuesday afternoons/evenings, One to Two Hours per Week. Age requirement: 18 years old or older. Must go through a background check.
Responsibilities: The objective of the program is for children ages 5-11 is to boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog in a non-judgmental setting. You are asked not to correct the child's reading unless they ask for assistance and try to position your dog to give the appearance that he is also engaged in the book. Deter outside interest during the reading time which includes cell phone use or other devices that may cause a distraction to the reader or the dog. Punctuality and reliability are a must.
Qualification: Dogs must be a licensed therapy dog and a copy of the therapy license with the dog's picture must be presented to the library staff. A copy of a current shot record from a vet is also required. The dog must have a gentle disposition and like children. The owner needs to be patient and supportive of the reader and must not correct reading errors as the goal is to build confidence with the reader. We are looking for good communication skills that require courtesy and tact.
Knowledge: Previous experience with children is a plus. Must follow directions and understand the objectives of Paws to Read and assist the reader in a warm and patient manner.
Training: On-the-Job Training Benefits for Volunteers: Help build an engaging literacy program. Share stories of impact with library staff to create a successful program that increases CML's value in the community
Days/Hours: Shifts will last for approximately an hour on a schedule to be determined by branch and volunteer
