How Wag and Read Helps Kids Gain Confidence
Wag and Read: Building Confidence with Therapy Dogs at the Blackstone Public Library
At the Blackstone Public Library, reading takes on a new, heartwarming twist. Children, teens, and special needs adults have the opportunity to practice their reading skills alongside gentle, certified therapy dogs in the library’s Wag and Read program.
Since 2015, the program has helped young readers grow in confidence while enjoying books in a safe, encouraging environment. Sitting with a friendly dog who listens without judgment, children can focus on reading at their own pace — and often find themselves enjoying it more than ever before.
Why Reading to Dogs Works
Animals provide a unique kind of support. They don’t interrupt, correct, or critique — they simply listen.
Deb Gibbs, Program Coordinator with Tufts Paws for People, the organization that coordinates therapy animal teams for the library, explained:
“Reading to dogs (or other types of animals!) has been a popular and effective type of program for both libraries and schools. Animals are non-judgmental, they don’t care if an emergent reader is struggling or if they listen to the same book over and over. Petting animals promotes relaxation by releasing oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and reducing cortisol levels; a relaxed child is probably going to do a better job at trying to decode words and figure out the context of what’s being read.”
Tufts Paws for People is a local volunteer organization with about 50 handler-animal teams — mostly dogs, but also cats, rabbits, a guinea pig, and even a mini horse. All teams are trained, tested, and insured through the national Pet Partners program, ensuring safety and consistency during visits.
Families See the Benefits
For families who participate, the rewards are easy to see. Jenna Oliveira, a local parent, shared how much her children James and Grace enjoy Wag and Read.
“Petting the dogs is their favorite part,” she said. James, a strong reader, doesn’t always want to set aside time to read at home — but when a therapy dog is listening, he’s happy to join in. Grace, meanwhile, seems to gain extra confidence reading aloud with a dog beside her compared to reading at home. Grace especially loves Bear, while James gets excited whenever there’s a new dog to meet.
Those simple moments — choosing a book, reading aloud, and getting a wagging tail in return — help children associate reading with fun and calm, while also providing a gentle boost to their literacy skills.
How to Join Wag and Read
- When: Monday evenings, one-hour blocks.
- Where: Blackstone Public Library.
- How it works: Participants sign up in advance for a 15-minute slot. They can bring their own book or choose one from the library (dog-themed books are popular picks!). Many families return for multiple sessions, as children look forward to reading to their favorite dogs.
- Who can join: Any child, teen, or special needs adult from any community — you don’t need to be a Blackstone resident.
Registration is available by phone, in person, or by emailing Tressy Collier at tcollier@cwmars.org. Spots often book out a couple of months in advance.
Keeping Wag and Read Thriving
Collier, who has guided the program for the past few years, emphasizes that its success depends on the dedication of volunteers and their dogs. “In order to ensure that it continues, we really just need the community to show us that there’s a need for it,” she said. The program requires no funding — just the participation and engagement of families who want to give their children this special experience.
“We’re always looking for fun and innovative programming to bring to our patrons, especially programming that incorporates reading,” Collier added. “And what could be more fun than reading with dogs?”
Wag and Read is more than a library program — it’s a celebration of literacy, community, and the joy of connecting with animals. In Blackstone, children can enjoy these experiences right in their hometown, building confidence and creating memories that last a lifetime. And while it’s rooted here, the program is open to families from all communities, welcoming anyone who could benefit from the comfort of reading with a therapy dog.
At Small Town Post, our mission is to spotlight the stories, people, and programs that make small-town life special. Programs like Wag and Read remind us of the simple, powerful ways communities can come together.
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