Paws, Pages and Community Come Together at Crystal City Library
The Crystal City Public Library is inviting children and families to enjoy a different kind of story time, one where some of the most enthusiastic listeners have four legs and wagging tails.
The library’s next Story Time and Canine Reading program will be held Monday, July 13, at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to everyone. A library card is not required, and although the program is designed primarily for children, patrons of all ages are welcome to stop by and visit with the dogs.
Photo courtesy of Crystal City Library
The library partners with Kay Harris and Joyce Bitter through Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that works with specially trained animals. Harris regularly brings Winnie and Beau, while Bitter visits with Hershey.
The dogs settle into the children’s section alongside their handlers as Library Director Amy Shirley reads two or three stories. Children can sit on beanbags near the dogs, pet them and, when they feel comfortable, choose a book and read directly to one of their canine listeners.
The relaxed format is intentional. Children can move between listening to the stories and interacting with the dogs without the expectations of a formal classroom setting. Some children are immediately eager to meet the animals, while others gradually grow more comfortable during repeated visits.
Shirley said the dogs seem to recognize the library before they even enter the building. Their tails begin wagging in the parking lot, and they walk through the doors as though they are returning home. During quieter moments, the dogs have even been known to fall asleep while listening to the stories.
The relationship between the library, the handlers and the animals has grown well beyond a regularly scheduled program. Shirley said Harris, Bitter and their dogs are treated like family by library employees and patrons.
That bond was especially clear following the recent loss of Emma, one of Bitter’s longtime canine companions. Emma had visited children in local schools for years before becoming part of the library family. Before saying goodbye, Bitter brought Emma to the library so employees and patrons could spend time with her one last time.
The library is planning to display a photograph in Emma’s memory, creating a lasting tribute to a dog who brought comfort and happiness to generations of local children.
Shirley has served as library director since August 2024, but her connection to the library began much earlier. She grew up in Crystal City and later brought her own children to the library. After retiring from a 25-year career in education, she returned with a goal of making the library an active and welcoming gathering place.
That vision includes providing free opportunities for families at a time when the cost of many activities can prevent people from participating. Shirley believes the modern library should be more than a place to check out books. It should be a safe and comfortable place where residents can cool off, get a drink of water, meet their neighbors, learn something new or simply spend time together.
The canine program is one part of a growing schedule that includes children’s crafts, cooking classes, chess, guitar and ukulele gatherings and other community activities. The library is also planning a Winnie-the-Pooh Picnic at Crystal City Park on September 12 in celebration of 100 years of the beloved storybook character.
Families looking for an affordable way to spend time together, meet new people or introduce their children to the library are encouraged to attend the July 13 story time. Whether visitors come for the books, the dogs or simply the opportunity to be part of the community, Shirley hopes they will find a place where they feel welcome, and a reason to return.
Learn More
Follow the Crystal City Public Library on Facebook or their Website for information about Canine Reading, children’s crafts, cooking classes, chess club, guitar and ukulele gatherings and other upcoming programs.
The Crystal City Public Library is located at 736 Mississippi Avenue. For additional information about upcoming programs, call 636-937-7166.
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