Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Library to pair kids, therapy dogs for reading success

Beginning in April, man’s best friend will become a kid’s best reading pal as the Randolph County Public Library kicks off “Tails to Read.”

"Tails to Read” invites children ages 6-12 to improve their skill and confidence by reading to one of five certified therapy dogs at the Asheboro Public Library.

Each child participating will spend 15 minutes getting to know and reading to one of the dogs during an initial session, and can return to read each week. Dog owner-handlers will be present during all visits between children and the dogs.

Saturday sessions will begin at 10 a.m. April 14 and continue weekly through the end of May. Thursday sessions are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 12 and April 26.

The program is free, but registration is required. To sign up a child, visit the library’s Children’s Room or call 318-6804.

A special “Tails to Read” Kick-off will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the library. Anyone interested in participating is invited to meet the dogs and their owners, learn more about the program, learn how to interact with the dogs, and sign up for reading sessions.

Studies show that reading aloud to dogs has positive effects on children’s desire and ability to read. The loving, non-judgmental canine audience-of-one increases a child’s engagement with reading and helps build confidence.

Each child participating will receive a “PAW-some Reader” dog tag or wristband after the first session. Those who continue for five sessions will receive a free book.

The canine reading pals include:

  • Emme, a seven-year-old yellow lab;
  • Morgan, a seven-year-old Bernese mountain dog;
  • Casey, a seven-year-old mixed breed;
  • Charm, a seven-year-old collie

A fifth dog will be announced shortly.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street in Asheboro. For more information, call 318-6804 or visit http:www.randolphlibrary.org/tailstoread.html.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Gear up at Asheboro library for Hunger Games premier

Gear up for The Hunger Games movie premier, and possibly win free tickets or posters, during a craft event and book discussion at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at the Asheboro library.

Talk about what you love about the books and your expectations for the movie in discussions led by library staff. Then, make your very own Mockingjay pin.

The event, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, is free and all Hunger Games fans are invited.

Door prizes provided by Cinemark 7 at Randolph Mall include posters and tickets to the movie.

Refreshments will be served.

Based on the acclaimed teen trilogy by Suzanne Collins, the movie debuts March 23. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Asheboro author Ashley Memory to talk about first novel

A novel in which the hero is an amateur chef will net someone an authentic French crepe pan during author Ashley Memory’s talk at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at the Asheboro library.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, her appearance is free and the public is invited.

Asheboro native Memory will read an excerpt from her novel Naked and Hungry and discuss her journey as a writer, signing books afterwards. She also will give away the crepe pan to the winner of a random drawing.

Naked and Hungry, about an out-of-work loan officer who retreats to the wilderness only to find it under ecological attack from shadowy villains, was named one of the season’s most promising debuts by Library Journal.

Memory is a two-time winner of the Doris Betts Fiction Prize and a nominee for the Pushcart Prize.