Did you know the Library has some adorable, furry friends who help out in our volunteer programs? Paws to Read is a program run by Therapeutic Paws of Canada (TPOC), opens a new window, where certified therapy dogs and their handlers help children grow their confidence by reading aloud.
For volunteers like Nancy Vanstone and Linda Bishop—co-team leaders of the Halifax chapter of TPOC—the program is more than a reading support initiative. It's a passion project built on years of experience, partnership, and countless rewarding moments shared between young readers and their four-legged friends.
"We've both done the program and love it and see the difference that it makes," says Linda, recalling her time volunteering for Paws to Read with her own dog, Teddy. "It's something that we highly support and recommend."
Nancy has also spent many hears volunteering in the Library with her dog, Colby, before taking on an administrative role with TPOC. "I was retiring and knew that I had time to volunteer. I love reading and I like to be with my dog, so I sought out this program."
For volunteers like Nancy and Linda, Paws to Read was the perfect way to spend time with their dogs and give back to their community.
What is Paws to Read?
Paws to Read is a five-week reading support program for children in Grades 1 to 5. In a typical session, children have one-on-one time with a certified therapy dog where they can read aloud in a calm, non-judgmental environment. These interactions are designed to help reluctant readers, children learning English as a second language, or kids who don't enjoy reading aloud.
"The program is successful because there's no judgment with the dog," explains Linda. The human handlers are there for guidance and encouragement, but the child builds confidence by interacting with the dog. "If a child came because they can read, but they don't like to read out loud, I would say, 'Teddy didn't quite hear that. Could you repeat that?' So, it's all about the dog, it's not about us."
All therapy dogs must first be certified to work with adults before undergoing further assessment to become child-certified. This ensures the dog is calm, gentle, and suited for one-on-one time with young readers.
Literacy Learning at the Library
While many Paws to Read programs across Canada are delivered in schools, here in the HRM, the organization has been partnering with Halifax Public Libraries for nearly two decades.
"We're very lucky to have a library system as well developed as we do in Halifax," says Nancy. "They provide the books, the rooms, the support—helping with registration and promoting the program. Almost always, we have a waiting list of families waiting for this program. And it's no cost to the families to sign up."
Offering this program at the Library allows children to benefit from a safe, welcoming setting that is quieter than a school environment. "At the Library, you have that room with that dog in one-on-one time," says Linda. "It also gives you an opportunity to do things outside of school hours, which is great for families."
At its peak, the program had teams in up to eight branches of Halifax Public Libraries. Currently, four libraries host Paws to Read, but more are eager to participate—if more volunteers can be found.
Becoming a Volunteer
Some dog owners may think they need to be a teacher or have a certain kind of dog in order to volunteer with Paws to Read, but it is a few steps simpler than that.
"You don't need a teaching background," Linda explains. "You just have to enjoy children, enjoy your dog, and enjoy encouraging children to read."
Dogs don't need to be a specific breed or have obedience training. "You need a dog that's under your control, has nice manners, and the right temperament," says Nancy. "We've had rescue dogs, golden retrievers, and more—it's about the bond with the handler."
Nancy encourages Library users and dog lovers to consider the opportunity. "We have big demand in the Libraries. It would be wonderful if people reached out to us. If you love reading and spending time with your dog, this is a really fulfilling way to volunteer."
Spark a Lifelong Love of Reading
The rewards of the program go beyond the five-week sessions. Linda remembers the joy of watching a hesitant reader transform. "You literally see them change over the five weeks. Now, they're excited to pick out a book and take it home. Now, Mom and Dad are going to the Library with them even after the program ends. Seeing that spark ignite—it's everything."
Nancy has a shoebox full of handwritten thank-you notes and drawings from past participants and their parents. "It increases the child's enjoyment of reading and books," she shares. "And every one of our volunteers who has started to work on Paws to Read at the Library—they love it."
Looking Ahead: Growing the Program
As demand continues to outpace capacity, Nancy and Linda hope to grow their team of certified volunteers. "Our goal is to continue supporting, encouraging, and building our team to support the Paws to Read program," says Linda. "We believe in the program so much."
"If you have the right kind of dog with the right temperament—it can be any breed—and you love reading," Nancy adds, "it's a wonderful way to volunteer."
The message they want to share is simple: Paws to Read is a free literacy program that truly makes a difference in children's lives—and in the lives of the volunteers who support it.
"It's such a nice environment as a volunteer,” says Linda. “You feel welcome. You see the impact. And you get to spend quality time with your dog doing something meaningful."
Would you or your dog be a great fit for the Paws to Read program? Learn more by visiting Therapeutic Paws of Canada’s website or reach out to Nancy and Linda at their contact information below.
Nancy Vanstone: nancy.vanstone@tpoc.ca
Linda Bishop: linda.bishop@tpoc.ca
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