Literacy Heroes

Excited whispers traveled throughout the building. “There’s a dog in the library!” Not a character in a book, nor a stuffed animal and not an imaginary friend, but a real dog named Charlie – who became a regular attender at reading sessions in the West Chester Public Library’s children’s section last summer.

When library director Victoria Dow decided to initiate a “Read-to-Me Dog” summer program, her first challenge was finding a therapy dog and a handler available and willing to volunteer their time. Then Karen Lewis and Charlie, therapy-certified volunteers at the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, stepped up to the plate – that is, into the library. Karen, who has already invested time and love in Charlie’s training to benefit the community, freely gave more of her time to make the library program a reality. And when youngsters reached the top of the stairs and spied Charlie by the Children’s Section bookshelves, amazing things began to happen.

With Karen's careful guidance, Charlie listened while readers regaled him with stories, full chapters, and poems from the books they had chosen. When children with reading difficulties read to Charlie, they found him a patient and non-judgmental listener. They began to enjoy an activity they had previously found frustrating and to want to improve their reading skills. An unexpected result: Charlie’s calm presence helped a number of children who had been afraid of dogs at the start of the program put aside their fears.

Soon choruses of “I want to read with him, too” echoed throughout the library. The “Charlie, the Read-to-Me Dog” pilot program was a resounding success and sessions with Karen and Charlie were completely booked.

Charlie, who volunteered to pose for his photograph, has become a featured star of the Literacy Heroes brochure and Web site. And he and Karen Lewis have signed on for a return engagement at the library this summer!