Read to a dog @ Southwest!

Read to a dog @ Southwest! is a free library program where children can practice their reading skills by sharing a book with a certified therapy dog. Sponsored by Canines for Literacy, the event pairs hesitant readers with a calm canine companion and their handler for a quiet, supportive fifteen-minute session. To participate, you must register online in advance for a specific fifteen-minute time slot. The program takes place in the Children's Programming Room at the Southwest Regional Library in Durham, which offers free parking in the main lot. Children are welcome to bring a few of their favorite books from home, or they can arrive early to select a couple of library books from the shelves before their session begins. This weekday afternoon event is an excellent way to ease your child into the weekend with a low-pressure learning activity. It provides a gentle, non-judgmental environment that helps boost reading confidence, making it a highly productive and comforting after-school stop.

Last updated September 16, 2026