The Mars Area Public Library is offering a chance for new or reluctant young readers to develop their skills in front of a cuddly listener, with the “PAWS to Read” program.

Twice a month on select Thursdays, Annette Kirkwood, a member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, brings a golden retriever named Wally to the library for an hour. There are four 15-minute slots per session in which children can read to Wally, an experience that can develop the child’s reading skills and boost their self-esteem.

“PAWS to Read” is held at 3:30 p.m. starting Sept. 19. The next dates will be Oct. 10 and 24. Those who are interested can reserve their spaces through the Mars library website.