A dog can’t judge your reading skills or correct your pronunciation of words.
That’s the concept behind Paws to Read, a popular program at Arlington public libraries that allows children to read outloud to a non-judgemental canine companion.
The program began in 2011 after Ashlawn Elementary School teacher Cynthia Power pitched it to library staff as a way to encourage kids to read. It has since expanded to six library locations and has earned Power (and her dog, Humphrey) an Outstanding Volunteer Award.
The county’s Arlington TV channel produced the video, above, about the Paws to Read program.