Westlake children can read to therapy pups

The Project READ organization will bring its "Paws 4 Healing" program to Westlake Village Library with an event for children ages 5 and up from 2 to 4 p.m. Sat., Sept. 2 at the library, 31220 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.

The Reading Education Assistance Dogs program is said to improve children's reading skills. Children are directed to read to registered therapy dogs. According to the organization, research supports that these trained dogs help reduce stress and increase children's literacy skills.

Each child attending will be given 15 minutes to read with and meet a Paws 4 Healing therapy dog. Children may bring a favorite book from home or select a library book.

Parents will be required to sign a waiver prior to the reading session.

Information on Project READ is available at the library's information desk. For more details about the event, call (818) 8659230.