Reading aloud helps your young child expand their vocabulary and improve reading comprehension. Learning to read can be scary; a friendly face, particularly one with a wagging tail, can ease reading anxieties and build confidence. Billings Public Library is hosting two sessions a month: 1st Saturday of the month (9/7) 11am – Noon with Intermountain Therapy Animals 3rd Wednesday of the month (9/18) 3-4pm with Pet Partner Therapy Animals Each child will be able to sign up on the day of the program and have a chance to read to one dog. Space is limited Paws to Read gives children the opportunity to practice their reading skills without fear of judgment. Children will share a book with a trained therapy dog; accompanied by the dog’s handler (the handlers do not correct a child's reading). Parents may sit quietly in the room with their child or take this moment to sit and relax just outside the program area.