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Middletown Public Library has partnered with Caring Hearts Pet Therapy to present a program that encourages the love for reading and provides therapy from a furry friend.

Tales with T.A.I.L.S., which stands for Therapy Animals Increase Literacy Skills, is a program that allows kids from Kindergarten to 5th grade to engage with therapy dogs and cats while reading to them individually or in small groups.

With the guidance of  literacy mentors from Caring Hearts Pet Therapy, children read books to the animals, which act as non judgmental and attentive listeners to support the development of their reading and communication skills.

According to the Caring Hearts Pet Therapy website, this program helps to increase relaxation and lower blood pressure.

John Grayshaw, Director of the Middletown Public Library, said this program becomes more important during the school year because it provides an opportunity for kids to destress and apply skills that are learned in school.

"I hope that this finds the kids that are struggling the most and helps to improve their reading skills because it's one of the necessary skills for life," said Grayshaw.

To participate in this program visit the Middletown Public Library at 20 N Catherine St. on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

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