The Haddonfield library is helping children build confidence with its Read to a Dog program, featuring a golden retriever named Shelly one Thursday of every month.
Shelly, the “bookish” canine, waits at the library for her next guest reader at the borough library.
Since dogs are non-judgmental and can’t tell if someone makes a mistake, the program helps its young participants build confidence in their reading abilities and develop skills with reduced anxiety.
Jordan Bilodeau is the children’s librarian, who helped reintroduce Read to a Dog in August after a five-year hiatus that began in 2020. It takes place for one hour every month and is open to all ages.
“It’s great for kids that are hesitant readers, that don’t feel very confident reading out loud,” she explained. “Dogs, they don’t judge, they just sit and listen. And it’s a really good positive reinforcement program for reading.”
The program also enables kids who may be afraid of dogs to feel more at ease around Shelly in a safe environment.
“Kids can learn to be comfortable around dogs even if they’re a little bit scared …” Bilodeau noted. “Over the summer, we had a little girl that was hesitant, so she brought her book and she sat with the dog, and by the end of the session, she was excited to try to come back.”
Participants have one-on-one time with Shelly for 15 minutes in a designated area of the library that provides privacy and a quiet, calm atmosphere. If a child prefers, their family can also be in the room with them as they read.
“We have kids very young sitting with their family,” Bilodeau said. “We have older kids … If anybody just wants to come and read and enjoy an animal while they’re reading a book, they’re more than welcome to sign up.”
Shelly’s owner is Judy Hutnik, who originally raised and trained her to be a seeing eye dog. The animal ended up breeding other service dogs, and after delivering two litters of puppies, Shelly was retired. But Hutnik was allowed to adopt her again.
Hutnik had previously been a part of the Read to a Dog initiative with one another canine who passed away, and decided to get involved again when she realized Shelly’s temperament was well suited to the program.
“I thought she would just be really great at this, because she’s so calm, she’s so sweet and gentle,” said Hutnik.
She emailed Bilodeau with the idea.
“We’re hoping that all the kids enjoy it and sign up and come read her books,” Hutnick said.
“It’s really good for kids to read to a dog, especially if they might be a little hesitant to read out loud. It’s good practice, and it’s always fun to read to a dog. No pressure.”
For more information on Read to a Dog, visit the library’s website. The next session with Shelly will be on Thursday.
