In a quiet corner of the San Rafael Branch Library, nervous young readers discover something remarkable: a golden retriever named Cody doesn’t judge their stumbles over difficult words.
He simply listens, tail wagging, as confidence builds one page at a time.
The Pasadena Public Library’s “Barks & Books: Read with Cody” program returns Thursday, August 28, offering children a judgment-free zone to practice reading skills with a specially trained therapy dog.
“Cody the dog loves listening to children read to him and can’t wait to hear their favorite stories!” according to Pasadena Public Library event organizers.
The library highlights that “Reading to a specially trained therapy dog builds confidence and is dog-gone fun.”
The therapy dog reading program isn’t just feel-good programming—it’s backed by research.
Studies demonstrate that reading to therapy dogs improves children’s reading skills, confidence, and attitudes toward reading, while also reducing blood pressure and anxiety during reading sessions.
The library hosts “Barks & Books” at San Rafael, Santa Catalina, and Jefferson branches in partnership with Pet Partners and Love on a Leash.
Pet Partners is described as “the national leader in demonstrating and promoting the health and wellness benefits of animal-assisted interventions.”
For families seeking to boost their child’s reading confidence, Cody offers something no human tutor can: unconditional acceptance and a wagging tail of encouragement.
“Barks & Books: Read with Cody” will run on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Road, in Pasadena. For more call (626) 744-7270 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D183206611.
