Eglin library encourages kids to read

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Reading Education Assistance Dogs program was recently highlighted during Story Time at the Eglin Base Library here, Nov. 18. It is just one of the many ways the base library is trying to educate and serve the Eglin community by encouraging children to read in a unique and fun way. 

"This gives children the opportunity to read to someone who won't be judgmental and allows them to loosen up when it comes to reading out loud," said Pamela Myers, 96th Services Squadron library assistant. "I love it because it gives me the chance to get kids hooked on reading early, and if I can get anyone to love reading as much as I do then I've done my part." 

One of the dogs used in the program, "Ducky," is a certified therapy dog and a pet to Dorothee Bennett, 96th Services Squadron library technician. A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, mental institutions, schools and stressful situations such as disaster areas. 

Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds and their most important characteristic is temperament. A good therapy dog is patient, gentle and confident in all situations. They must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted and handled, sometimes clumsily. 

"Ducky is really great with children, and children who can't have a pet at home love her because they can get that exposure," said Mrs. Bennett. "You'd be surprised at how many Airmen living in the dorms come in and fall in love with the dogs because they too cannot have a pet ... it's just a great way to boost morale." 

Many of the children who attend events hosted by the library have an active duty parent who is, has been, or is going to deploy. For that reason, the library offers programs targeting deployed servicemembers and their families. 

It can be difficult at times to explain war to a child and to convey the reason why a loved one has to go to war. The newly expanded deployment section is dedicated to easing the strain of deploying and leaving a loved one behind, making it easier to delve into a discussion of war and the current situation in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

"With the increase in deployment commitments, we really want to provide that support for the whole military family by having those tools available that can help them get through tough situations," said Mrs. Bennett. 

The Eglin Base Library has long served as the community's center for education and understanding, winning them an Air Force-level award. With new programs and the expansion of the deployment section, they continue their commitment as a haven for knowledge and growth. 

Preschool Story Time is held at the Eglin Base Library every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. The next READ program, however, will not be held until the new year. Parents interested can sign up for e-mail notification at the library or visit www.youseemore.com/eglin.