Registration opens:
December 30th, 2025 7:00pm

Books and Barks

For kids ages 7 to 9 years old.

About the Program

Books and Barks gives kids a special chance to build confidence and have fun reading by sharing stories with a friendly, non-judgmental listener: a therapy dog! Reading to a dog can help children feel more relaxed and supported as they practice their reading skills. The dog doesn’t mind mistakes and is happy to listen, making this a wonderful, low-pressure way for kids to enjoy reading.

Each child will be given 10 minutes to read with a therapy dog. Please bring a short book. There will be group activities for the whole hour that kids can do when they're not reading during their allotted time. 

Presented in partnership with Sunshine Therapy Dogs.

For kids ages 6 to 10 years old. Please register each child attending.

This program is part of a series. There are 4 sessions taking place on Thursdays: January 22, 29, February 2 and 12. 

Please note, a caregiver must remain in the library while children under 10 years of age attend a program.

We kindly remind you that registrations will be removed if the registered person does not meet the program’s specified age requirements.

Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and video may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos.

For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video.

Programmer: Lainie