RACINE COUNTY — Through the Read to a Dog program at the Graham Public Library, 1215 Main St., in Union Grove, children are positively impacted by the company of a furry and four-legged friend.
Dogs are commonly known as a man’s best friend, and through this newer program at Union Grove’s library, families are finding they make the best friends for children to read books to, as well.
Reba is a soon-to-be 12-year-old Weimaraner. Accompanied by her owner, Rick Torres, Reba visits the library monthly to volunteer their time to help children advance their literacy skills.
In addition to being a great listener, Reba has earned numerous American Kennel Club (AKC) titles.
She has earned the titles of Canine Good Citizen, Senior Hunter for retrieving, and is also titled Master Hunter, too. Reba even has had success and has become a Dual Champion in the show ring.
Read to a Dog program flourishes
The program came to be in October 2022, just one month after Youth Service’s Librarian, Sara Grabarec, began her job at the library.
“I love dogs. Dogs and books, let’s combine them,” is what Grabarec was thinking. “So I started reaching out to some other local libraries.”
Upon doing so, the librarian connected with Torres and his pooch, who are regular volunteers at various libraries including the Burlington Public Library, the Waterford Public Library, and even Gateway Technical College campuses.
Torres retired from Racine Unified School District as a Mechanical Engineer, and he knows the importance of education.
“This was something that I thought would be a nice way to give back. We’ve enjoyed it ever since,” says Torres.
Overcoming literacy obstacles
“There are so many kids that are so hesitant or nervous to read aloud. They feel like they’re being judged. They are messing up on words and are just not that confident.”
Sara Grabarec
With Reba’s help, the library allows children and families to come to their facility and read for 15 minutes alongside a furry friend. She’s a nonjudgmental listener, who just wants to help, and doesn’t mind a few extra scratches for being a good girl.
Families are welcome to enjoy storytime by sitting at Reba’s side, petting her, and reading aloud to her. If children are unable to read, they are still welcome to attend and advance pre-reading skills by listening to a story or by describing pictures in a book to the dog.
Reba even provides comfort to young adults with disabilities too. Sometimes her presence helps children if they are struggling academically, but also with the punctuality of completing reading assignments.
Reba’s impact
Edmund, Reba and the librarian work together to improve literacy. – Credit: Emma Widmar 
Edmund Kirk read one longer story to Reba during his reading session. – Credit: Emma Widmar 
Reba gives Reece a kiss. – Credit: Emma Widmar 
Reece, Reba and Rick smile for a photo after the reading session. – Credit: Emma Widmar 
Reece was able to read three short stories in the span of her 15-minute session. – Credit: Emma Widmar
In attendance for the Read to a Dog program in March were Mason Neumiller, Reece Rushing, and Edmund Kirk.
“This is actually what gets it (reading) to actually be done,” says Mason’s mom, Amanda Neumiller. “It’s a nice service to have here.”
While a small group of attendees attended the March event, Reba’s impact is grand.
“They’re more at ease,” says Grabarec about the students who participate in the Read to a Dog program.
The library welcomes people to check out the program. Call the Graham Public Library at 262-878-2910 to sign up a child, or whole family, for a 15-minute session.
More information can be found on their website or by visiting their Facebook page.
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