BROOMFIELD — In the children’s section of the library, shy readers, animal lovers and other youngsters waited impatiently to read a book with their favorite visitor: Sassy the Corgi.
The young readers are part of Afternoon Reading Fun, or ARF. The twice-monthly program at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library gives children an opportunity to read out loud to a service dog without the fear of being corrected or judged.
When children read about race cars, mischievous puppies or kids on the go, Sassy snuggles at their feet or reassuringly licks their toes. She likes to roll over for a scratch on the belly when children finish their books.
“Sassy is a pretty good listener,” said Debbie Kriz, Sassy’s owner. She trained Sassy through Therapy Dogs International, which puts pets through a strict test before they become therapy dogs.
Kids took turns sitting in a quiet room and opened their picture books for Sassy to see. Mia Blanco, a kindergartner, sped through two books, then spent her extra time patting Sassy’s head before collecting dog-themed bookmarks and trading cards. Her brother, D’Angelo Blanco, a second-grader, read about motorcycles and race cars doing death-defying stunts on a race course.
The children’s grandmother, Dee Pantoya, said the children and their 4-year-old brother, Nikko, are regular library visitors who love it when Sassy is there.
“It’s good for them to stay involved at the library,” she said.
While the Blancos are enthusiastic readers, some children who attend ARF need a tad more encouragement.
Jeanine Kennedy said her son, Donny, 6, is reluctant to read out loud.
Kennedy brought her son to the ARF program because he loves animals. A stack of books he checked out from the library included one about moray eels.
“He doesn’t seem to have a problem reading to the dog,” she said, peeking through the door to check her son’s progress as he happily read out loud.
Paige Hardy, a kindergartner, is still learning to read. She chose a book about Biscuit, a puppy who avoids taking a bath by having adventures. Kriz helped her sound out some words and figure out the story using the pictures as guides.
Paige said she liked hanging out with Sassy but especially loved picking out a bookmark at the end.
Paige’s mother, Sara Hardy, said she hopes to expose her daughter to reading skills through more programs such as ARF.
“She’s just starting to read, so if I can make it fun, I think she will enjoy it more,” she said.
