Kids invited to read to dogs at Santa Maria library

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Children in Santa Maria are invited to work on their reading skills by reading aloud to a different type of audience: dogs.

Central Coast Love on a Leash, a volunteer organization that brings awareness about therapy dogs and pet-provided therapy, will be bringing dogs to the Santa Maria Public Library for the event.

Kids aged six to twelve can sign up to read. Organizers say the dogs love to listen to children.

The 'Paws to Read' event is scheduled for Monday, January 13 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Sign-ups begin on January 6 at the Youth Services desk or by phone at 805-925-0994.

Any questions about the event can be directed to the Youth Services desk.

The library also has new hours beginning on January 5.

• Sundays: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.