Pages are turning and tails are wagging at all three YDL branches! With the addition of Simba at YDL-Whittaker, each YDL branch now boasts a library reading dog.
Since 2012, reading dogs have visited YDL. Young readers can sign up for a time to read, at their own pace, with the dog and its handler. These therapy-certified dogs from the Therapaws organization can decrease stress for kids trying to improve their reading and bring more enjoyment.
“This program has consistently been one of the most popular programs the library offers,” said YDL Youth Librarian Pat Mitchell, who runs the effort at the Michigan Avenue branch. “So I am very happy that it is now offered at all 3 branches.”
According to research, the program can also have a tangible impact on the kids’ success. In one study, when third graders were randomly assigned to read weekly either to a dog, an adult, or a teddy bear, the kids who read to a dog outperformed the other groups in reading comprehension and accuracy.
“Many parents have told me how much their child’s reading has improved after participating and how much they love reading to the dog,” Mitchell said.
Nicole Russell, who runs the reading dog program at YDL-Superior, has also seen an incredible impact since she started the visits in 2023, first with Hugo and now with Bambi.
“We have a kiddo that started attending with his parents as a toddler,” Russell said. “The grownups would read and the little one would sit on their lap and pet Bambi while listening.He is now starting to read and turns the pages telling the story to Bambi. He will show her the pictures to make sure she “understands” the story.”
According to Jodi Krahnke, head of the Whittaker Youth Department, Simba has made an excellent addition to the lineup.
“Simba is very friendly and non-threatening, even for kids who haven’t had much experience with dogs,” Krahnke said.
There will also be a new dog at YDL-Michigan for the season. Quinn, an Australian Cattle Dog-German Shorthair Pointer mix is filling in for Moon (the golden retriever who typically visits the downtown branch).
Meet our dogs and learn how to sign up for a reading slot below.
A child reads to Simba at the YDL-Whittaker branch
YDL-Whittaker
Simba
15 pound, 2-year-old toy doodle
When: 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month (excluding holidays) | 5-7pm
How: Come to the library starting at 4:45pm (and no later than 6:30pm) to grab a ticket at the Youth desk with your assigned time slot. The 10-minute time slots range from 5-6:45pm.
YDL-Michigan
Quinn (Winter 2025-26)
6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog-German Shorthair Pointer mix
When: 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month | 5:30-7:30pm
How: Email [email protected] to check availability for a 10-minute slot.
Moon
6-year-old Golden retriever
YDL-Superior
Bambi
Havanese
When: 3rd Thursday of the month | 5:50-7:35pm
How: Email [email protected] to reserve a 10 minute slot.