Brunswick County Library hosts new read to a dog program, Books for Bailey
Children reading to Bailey at Barbee Library
MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County Library has started Books for Bailey, a new program that aims to improve the confidence and literacy skills of children by reading to a therapy dog named Bailey.
“Bailey has a way of bringing a smile to everyone who sees her,” said owner Tricia Robertson. “She is always ready to be petted, which has its own way of making someone feel good. Whether someone feels sad, hurting, lonely, or depressed, they always feel better after spending a few moments with her.”
Bailey is Robertson’s 9-year-old Collie and has been a therapy dog for the last 7 years. Before moving to Brunswick County, Bailey worked in the Charlotte, NC area as a therapy dog in libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Canine Crew.
Brunswick County Library strives to provide a safe and comfortable space for children of all ages and offers the Books for Bailey events free of charge to Brunswick County residents. Children also receive a sticker showing that they have read to Bailey after the event.
“’Read to a Dog’ programs are a great asset to reluctant readers and other students who just need that confidence boost,” said Brunswick County Library Director Patricia Dew. “The children who are able to participate here are gaining reading and literacy skills that will benefit them throughout life.”
From September through November, Brunswick County Library is offering four Books for Bailey events at Barbee Library in Oak Island and five events at Harper Library in Southport. Additional dates and locations for the program have yet to be determined.
To participate in the program, children must be registered in advance and be able to read independently. While the program is geared toward elementary-aged children, children of any age are welcome to register. To register for a 20-minute time slot, please visit or call the library branch hosting the event:
Call Barbee Library at 910.278.4283 (Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., excluding holidays)
Call Harper Library at 910.457.6237 (Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding holidays)
Books for Bailey events scheduled for September through November 2022 are as follows:
Wednesday, September 7 / Oak Island Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Barbee Library / 8200 East Oak Island Drive
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Thursday, September 8 / Southport Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Harper Library / 109 West Moore Street
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Wednesday, September 21 / Oak Island Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Barbee Library / 8200 East Oak Island Drive
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Friday, September 23 / Southport Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Harper Library / 109 West Moore Street
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Wednesday, October 5 / Oak Island Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Barbee Library / 8200 East Oak Island Drive
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Friday, October 14 / Southport Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Harper Library / 109 West Moore Street
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Wednesday, October 19 / Oak Island Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Barbee Library / 8200 East Oak Island Drive
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Friday, October 28 / Southport Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Harper Library / 109 West Moore Street
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
Thursday, November 10 / Southport Area
Registration is necessary
Location: Harper Library / 109 West Moore Street
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Type of Event: Indoor
“We’re really excited to be able to offer the Books for Bailey program,” said Barbee Library Branch Manager Erika Dosher. “It seems to bring so much joy to the kids who have participated. We look forward to continuing this unique program!”
You can visit the Library’s event calendar on the Brunswick County website, or follow Brunswick County Library on Facebook and Instagram for more information on future events and updates.
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Download Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjA4nJf
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact the Communications Director at 910.253.2995 or email meagan.kascsak@brunswickcountync.gov