[photo credit: Pasadena Public Library]
The “Barks & Books: Read with Cody” program welcomes children ages three through 12 to read aloud to Cody and his handler Sharon, a certified Pet Partners volunteer team.
“Cody the dog loves listening to children read to him and can’t wait to hear their favorite stories,” the library notes. “Reading to a specially trained therapy dog builds confidence and is dog-gone fun.”
Scientific research supports the approach. A 2016 study found that kindergarten students receiving dog reading intervention ended the year with significantly higher reading scores than control groups. A 2020 study found that therapy dogs create “a safe, non-judgmental space for children to practice reading, alleviating performance anxieties.”
Golden retrievers are particularly effective in this role. The breed is known for emotional sensitivity, ability to read human moods, exceptional emotional intelligence and high level of focus on humans with alertness and responsiveness to body language, tone of voice and subtle changes in behavior.
The program reflects Pasadena’s commitment to therapy animals for literacy. On April 30, Mayor Victor M. Gordo proclaimed National Therapy Animal Day in Pasadena, honoring Cody and Sharon for their “many hours of volunteer service to the library and their role in promoting the importance of literacy.”
“Barks & Books” operates at three library branches, with therapy dogs at Jefferson and Santa Catalina branches as well.
“Barks & Books: Read with Cody” will run on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 744-7270 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D194741259.
