County of Los Angeles Public Library

Components:

Children can practice reading aloud with a special therapy team of trained dogs at "Dog Day Afternoon" events.
Children participate in an after-school reading mentoring program and a reading incentive program facilitated by Library Literacy Staff.
Families attend a series of fun workshops with pet themes where they do crafts, stories, writing and photography.
Families build a home library of pet themed books, which are given out at the events.
Parents attend a 14-week parenting and ESL class based on the P.A.R.E.N.T.S. curriculum.
Parents are introduced to science concepts through the "Mother Goose Asks Why" curriculum.
Parents can practice their computer skills at the library using "Language Solutions" interactive software.

Above left: Sadie, the pet therapy dog, is introduced to various
pet-themed books, including Clifford, The Big Red Dog.

Above right: Children at the kick-off assembly are enthralled by Sadie.

Facts At A Glance:

Number of Children Served: 300
Target Population: K- 3^rd grade English language learners from Central Elementary School in coordination with the Baldwin Park Library Family Literacy Center and the Migrant Education Program of the Baldwin Park Unified School District.

2000/2001 Funding: $90,000

Children carefully choose a book to take home and keep. By attending future events they can build a home library.

County of Los Angeles Public Library Contact:

Yolanda De La Cruz
(562) 940-8511