Paws to Read at Decatur

Paws to Read is back at the Decatur Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library on Wednesday, February 3, from 4:30 to 5:15 PM. It's a program for children who are reluctant readers: instead of reading to an adult, they read to a registered therapy dog, an activity that can help them improve their reading skills and their self-confidence. The session is built around 15-minute reading slots that participants sign up for by visiting the branch or calling ahead.

The Decatur Branch is at 5301 Kentucky Avenue, and it's worth a bit of history if you've never been. It opened in 1990 as an 11,300-square-foot facility and replaced the Marwood Branch, which had opened in 1967 in a storefront and was the first branch library outside of Center Township. So if you're heading that way, you're visiting a spot that's been a neighborhood anchor for over three decades.

Since the program runs on 15-minute slots, you'll want to book your time in advance rather than just dropping in. You can do that by stopping by the branch in person or calling ahead. The session runs from 4:30 to 5:15 PM on Wednesday, February 3, at the Decatur Branch, 5301 Kentucky Avenue.