Wagging Tales, a program offered at area libraries, including the Pacific Beach-Earl and Birdie Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St., is designed to help children get comfortable with reading out loud by providing them with a patient, nonjudgmental audience — dogs. “Children are interested in and like dogs,” said Michelle Clark, youth services librarian at the Taylor Library. “They don’t have to be worried about parents and teachers correcting them. It’s not as intimidating.” Though the program is open to any children who want to participate, the dogs are carefully selected. “Not just any dog can come in,” Clark said. The canine audience consists of certified trained therapy dogs that are patient and relaxed in public settings. “They’re the cream of the crop and their handlers are, too,” Clark said. Children can share their stories with such breeds as golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and Great Danes. One to four dogs are available to listen at each monthly Wagging Tales program. If there is a wait, a child can read for roughly 10 minutes. Otherwise, readers are welcome to practice as long as they like. The combination of dogs, reading and the library create a unique learning experience for children. “It’s a fun environment, unlike school, which isn’t necessarily fun,” Clark said, adding Wagging Tales is also less structured than school. “There are no strict rules. The book they read doesn’t have to be a school book. It can be anything they’re interested in and want to read.” In addition to helping young readers become more confident, the program also helps children become familiar with the library, Clark said. “It becomes an environment for literacy and learning,” she said. Since the program is run entirely by volunteers, it has not been affected by recent budget cuts. “We’re very grateful for our very dedicated volunteers,” Clark said. Wagging Tales takes place at the Taylor Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month. For more information, call (858) 581-9934 or visit www.sandiego.gov/public-library.