Dogs are allowed in libraries – story dogs only though - and only on Wednesday.

This week at Lismore Library, Maggie the labrador and her companion Anne Meagher will be in session, helping children to read books.

Anne is the Lismore Story Dogs Coordinator and invites pre-school children with their carers to come to the library at 10.30am on Wednesday, September 18 and enjoy free story time with Story Dogs. 

Maggie will become a non-judgemental audience for beginner or challenged readers, giving them the time and space to work at their own pace through the reading process.  

Lismore Librarian Lucy Kinsley said children are welcome to sit with the dogs and their handlers during the story reading.  

“Naturally, your child can sit away from the dogs if they would prefer,” Lucy said. “Everyone is welcome and you do not have to be a library member to attend.”  

Story Dogs is a non-profit organisation, formed in Murwillumbah in 2009 by friends Leah Sheldon and Janine Sigley.  

Janine was working with young adults and was amazed to see that many of them struggled with basic literacy.  

Motivated to help, she contacted her friend Leah and their combined research lead them to ‘Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) - a successful American program built around the idea of reading to dogs.

Story Dogs are not only attentive and appreciative, they are also a welcoming, soft and warm companion, and when clarification is required, both reader and dog can call on human assistance from the Story Dog companion.

Story Dogs were first trialled at the Murwillumbah East Public School amongst Leah and Janine’s children’s classmates. 

Maggie the Story Dog reads at Lismore Library.

They were a great success, getting positive feedback from teachers and parents, as well as seeing great improvements in the reading abilities of the participating students. 

Story Dogs have now spread throughout the country with a simple mission - to make reading fun for children so they become confident, lifelong readers.

“Story Dogs are such a refreshing yet revolutionary approach to literacy and represent a valuable contribution to the education of our children,” Lucy said.

Story Dogs are now recruiting and looking for dogs and their companions who might be able to assist in the story Dogs’ program. 

“All you need to become a Story Dog team member is a gentle dog and two hours a week to spare,” Lucy said.

For more information, or to contact Story Dogs, visit www.storydogs.org.au or email Anne at anne@storydogs.org.au