Discover the joy of reading with a little help from some furry friends at the Sequim Library. The PAWS to Read program connects readers with Olympic Gentle Paws Therapy dogs, beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 630 N. Sequim Ave.

Dogs and their trainers will eagerly listen to readers of all ages from 3-4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month, October-May. Reading to a dog or other pet creates a supportive and fun environment in which readers of all ages and abilities can practice their skills with confidence and joy, program organizers say. Research shows that the more a child reads, the more his or her reading skills improve, they note. For nervous or self-conscious readers, reading to therapy dogs can be a helpful way to practice reading without feeling intimidated or judged.

For more information about this and other programs for youth, visit www.nols.org and select “Youth.” Call the library at 683-1161.