Read with Rover will be offered at revised times of 11:00 am to noon on Wednesday, July 8 at the Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road, and on Friday. July 17 in the Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street. The learning events bring in certified therapy dogs from the QC Canine Assistance Network (QC CAN) so children can practice reading aloud before a welcoming, non-judgmental audience.
Reading to a therapy dog may be especially useful for reluctant readers and children in the 8 to 12-year-old age range, who have fewer opportunities to read aloud. From increasing vocabulary to attention span, reading aloud is one of the single most important ways to improve a child's reading level. The events are open to children in grades K-6 or equivalent ages.
The Rock Island Library's Every Hero Has a Story contests for children and Escape the Ordinary teen and adult reading contests run until July 18. Reading incentives and more than 60 free events are designed to help keep children, teens and adults active, productive and learning over the summer. For more information about library events, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.
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Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library provides resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination through the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities.
