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At home, at school, at the library: sharing story time with an attentive animal cultivates the self-confidence a child needs to read aloud, instilling a life-long love of reading and books. ARF’s All Ears Reading® utilizes trained pet teams to create a relaxing, nurturing reading environment that encourages improvement in your child’s reading skills. The program is open year-round to children grades 1-5. The children read to animals on ARF’s Pet Hug Pack therapy team. Join All Ears Reading® at one of several Contra Costa County library locations; pre-registration is required.
All Ears Reading® is based on the premise that pets are the perfect reading partners. Their attentive, non-judgmental, comforting manner establishes a supportive environment which fosters a child’s eagerness to read. Additionally, reading with an animal builds empathy and self-esteem. Creating a special time to read with one’s own pet strengthens the bond between child and animal while enhancing personal confidence and skill.
These long and widely held beliefs about the benefits of reading to animals have now been confirmed and scientifically documented by two research studies performed by University of California-Davis in partnership with ARF and Nestle Purina Petcare Company. ARF is proud to be instrumental in bringing conclusive “pets helping people” research to the field of animal welfare.  Read the full report.
Free sessions of All Ears Reading® are held at the following local libraries:
Dougherty Station Library
1st Monday of the month, 4-5 p.m.
17017 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94582
For more information or to register, please contact the Dougherty Station Library at 925.973.3380.
Walnut Creek Library
2nd Monday of the month, 4-5 p.m.
1644 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
For more information or to register, please contact the library at 925.977.3340 or ccclib.org.
Moraga Library
Last Thursday of the month, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
1500 St Mary's Rd., Moraga, CA 94556
For more information or to register please contact the library at 925.376.6852.
Ygnacio Valley Library
2nd Tuesday of the month, 4-5 p.m.
2661 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
For more information or to register please contact the library at 925.938.1481.
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