I am always impressed by the range and scope of ability and interest of the children who come to visit us at the reading program at Kirkwood Library. It is gratifying to see the impact PAWS has on a very wide spectrum. During this quarter, especially, it seemed we saw every benefit of the program, from preschoolers to adult readers.
But last Wednesday, something out of the ordinary happened. A fifth grade girl brought in something she wrote herself. She wanted to read her own story to Tramp! She was actually building her portfolio of writing samples for an audition to a magnet creative arts school in the area, and thought it might be a great idea to try out one of her stories with the reading dogs at the library. The librarian's helper (PAWS member, Shelton Harder) currently attends the school as a communication arts major, and was there that night to offer support and talk to the candidate about her impending audition. What an honor it is to assist with this talented young student's ambition! And Tramp really liked her story. -Tracy Harder (PAWS for Reading – Kirkwood Library)