Therapy Dog to visit Botetourt Libraries next week for children

Botetourt County Libraries has an exciting IN PERSON event next week at our branches featuring Ripley the Therapy Dog!

Therapy dogs offer physical and mental health benefits.

A therapy dog can help children become:

·    More comfortable and confident in the classroom.

·    Less stressed. Did you know that the simple act of petting a dog reduces stress levels? Not only will children become less stressed but have lower blood pressure.

·    More focused. The reduction of stress levels and anxiety offered by therapy dogs will help kids be more physically present during school. Plus, being able to play with a puppy helps boost physical well-being.

To encourage mindfulness and promote World Storytelling Day this event will rotate library branches through the month of March and April.

·    This event is for children between the ages of 5-12.

·    Registration is required. Parents can sign up their children for 15-minute reading sessions where they will get to read one-on-one with a therapy dog in a private room (child, dog and handler). Space is limited. Call your branch to register.

·    Children can choose whatever they want to read. Age-appropriate book choices will be available, or children can bring their own.

–Submitged by Tiffany Bradbury