The Lorain Public Library System’s Columbia Branch is helping youngsters connect with animals while improving their reading skills.
The branch’s popular Reading to the Rescue program will wrap up its second season at the end of the month.
Librarian Kari Mariner said the program was instituted following the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“The program began last year, but this year we really tried to expand it,” Mariner said. “Originally, we only partnered readers with cats, but now, we also include dogs.
“We had a lot of interest, so we extended it throughout the entire summer, and we’ll see what more we can add next year.”
Reading to the Rescue allows children ages 5 to 12 to read to either a cat or dog at the Berea Animal Rescue Friends in Columbia Station, 10015 E. River Road.
“It’s really great for kids to practice their reading fluency and be comfortable reading out loud,” Mariner said. “It also helps socialize the animals at the shelter.”
The Animal Rescue Friends, established in 1989, provides shelter, food and medical care to homeless, neglected and abused animals while staff searches for their forever homes.
Mariner said she recommends the program for families interested in animals or cultivating empathy.
“It’s just really nice to see kids connecting with animals,” she said. “Especially for families who may have lost an animal, it brings comfort to everyone involved, and I love offering it.”
The remaining slots for the summer reading initiative already are filled, Mariner said.
The Columbia Branch also partnered with the Animal Rescue Friends in January to provide pet food and other necessary supplies.
“Last winter, we did a pet food drive in honor of Betty White,” Mariner said. “We had a ‘Golden Girls’ night and collected donations to go toward the pet food pantry.
“We also have had volunteer nights for people to learn how to get involved at the shelter; they’ve been a very good community partner for us.”
Mariner said the Columbia Branch is accepting opportunities for outreach.
“We’d like to do more,” she said. “We don’t have anything planned currently, but we are always interested in doing something, either with them or another organization.”
