Typical Session

DEAR is held the second Sunday of every month.

• The coordinator sends a reminder a week or so ahead of time and requests RSVP so we have a nose count ahead of time.

• On the day before DEAR, the coordinator sends a reminder to everyone in the RSVP list.
  
  

DEAR runs from 1:40PM-3PM.

•  At 1:40PM, we use 15 minutes for a meet+sniff outside the west entrance (or sometimes inside that entrance if it is too hot/cold/wet outside).
  Note: The meet+sniff is mandatory. It is intended to ensure all the dogs are acquainted before we enter the library and preserves the reading room as neutral territory.

• At 1:55PM, we move to the reading room and get settled for kids to start reading at 2PM.

• We typically wrap up at 3PM, but sometimes we run over a little if we have lots of kids attending.
  
  

We generally sit or lay on the floor with the kids, but there are a couple of ways we can sit higher if mobility is a concern. Most of us bring a blanket or beach towel for the dogs and have taught our dogs that is their spot for the duration.

The children select a book from a collection arranged by the library and brings it to sit with us and read.

A librarian or helper usually manages the line of children for us to make sure everyone has a turn.

When they come to us, we break the ice by asking their name, introducing the dog, and sometimes asking a few questions... how old are they, what book did they bring, etc. We also use this time for gentle etiquette reminders like where it is ok (and not ok) to pet the dog. Then we have them read.

Depending on the headcount, the children usually read for about 10 minutes at a time.

Children not ready to read usually listen to their older siblings or parents read instead. We do not generally read to the kids ourselves because our job is to watch the dogs. That said, we do often help when they get stuck on words and such. Some children do not like to read, so we do a lot of encouragement and positive reinforcement. We are not there to teach them to read: we are there to make it fun so they want to read!

When they are finished reading, we thank them and give them a souvenir bookmark (the library provides these). Some handlers allow the children to give a treat to the dog.

 Prospective teams and helpers are welcome  encouraged  to observe before joining the group. We can pair you up with a team or you can hover if you prefer.