Library Friends sponsor Story Dog to support children’s literacy

Some lucky Year Two students at Mountain Creek State School have started to practise their reading with a special visitor – Bear the Story Dog – thanks to The Friends of Maroochydore Library.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said Bear, a Nova Scotia Duck Toller, and his handler Lori had been sponsored by the Friends of Maroochydore Library for the 2018 school year through the Story Dogs organisation.

“Story Dogs is a reading support program which allows selected children to read to an accredited dog and its handler,” Cr McKay said.

“Story dogs must pass an accreditation test carried out by Story Dog’s certified dog team assessors before going into schools.

“Reading takes place in a quiet area at school such as the library or a veranda outside the classroom.

“Each child gets a 20-minute one-on-one session with the dog team.

“Bear and Lori will visit Mountain Creek State School once a week for approximately two hours at a time.”

Books used throughout the program are suitable for each child’s reading level.

They are engaging and inspire children to read for enjoyment and knowledge.

The Story Dogs program relies on volunteers who donate their time to visit schools and other organisations who cover the costs through dog sponsorships, fundraising and donations.

The Friends of Maroochydore Library are a friendly group of volunteers who form an important link between the library and the community. They meet regularly and support the development of services and facilities within the Maroochydore Library.

If you’d like to know more about the Friends, contact Maroochydore Library on 5475 8989.

The Story Dogs mission aligns with Sunshine Coast Libraries’ mission to make reading fun for children so they can become confident, lifelong readers.

For more information about the Story Dogs program, visit www.storydogs.org.au.