George was reading. Milo was licking. Both were participating in the Wagging Tales reading program at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library. The dog-meets-kid hour is offered on the first Saturday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Though 12-year-old George Eger was fascinated by the book he was reading on the Titanic, Luna, a 4½-year-old yellow lab, and Milo, a mixed breed, just enjoyed the company. George has participated in Wagging Tales since it started about seven years ago, the brainchild of Pacific Beach pre-teen Rachel Sherman, who is now in college. The program, which matches certified therapy dogs with young readers, is designed to boost the children’s confidence in reading. The pet is a calming influence on anxious readers, according to Helene Sherman, Rachel’s mom, who jokes about having to take over 11½-year-old Cody’s leash when her daughter headed for college. But Sherman lauds the program, which she said allows children to read without anyone correcting them. “The program encourages children to read out loud in a relaxing environment,” said Michelle Clark, youth services librarian. She realizes, though, that some of the youngsters come simply to play with the dogs — and that’s OK. “Whatever reason they come, it’s good to get them to the library,” she said. Anywhere from three to 25 children, ranging in age from 2 to 12, and up to five dogs certified by Therapy Dogs Inc. attend the monthly program. George said the family cat “won’t sit still for me to read.” Ron Eger, the pre-teen’s dad, jokes, “We kept the program alive since George was 5 … George has a short attention span. Reading to the dogs helps him relax while he reads. It lessens his anxiety. George is totally like a different person [when he’s reading to the animals].” In addition to this program, the Pacific Beach Library has a variety of other children’s activities. On the schedule are: • Pajama Storytime and Crafts, ages 2-6; Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. • Preschool Storytime, ages 2-4; first, second and fifth Thursdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. • Music Together, babies to age 5; third Thursdays, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. • Sign-A-Story Circle Time (sign language), babies to age 4; fourth Thursdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. • Toddler Yoga, ages 18 months to 5 years; first Thursdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Special June and July programs include: • Mad Science, an interactive program for ages 4-12; June 13, 3 p.m. • Magic & Comedy, all ages; June 20, 3 p.m. • Literature Comes to Life, an interactive theater production, children of all ages; June 27, 3 p.m. • Animal Adventures, featuring six animals from around the world, ages 4-12; July 5, 10 a.m. • Craft Class, ages 6-18; July 11, 3 p.m.; signup required • Magic and Comedy with Craig Stone, all ages; July 18, 3 p.m. • Puppet and Marionette Performance, ages 4-12; July 25, 3 p.m. • Dream Big, Read, June 13-Aug. 15, ages 3-11, prizes for reading 10 books; sign up at sandiegolibrary.org or at the library. For more listings on summer activities and programs, call (858) 581-9934, or visit pblibraryfriends.org. The Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library is located at 4275 Cass St.
