Registration is now open for an upcoming Thursday afternoon “Tales to Tails” session at Decorah Public Library: December 16. Kids in grades 1-5 may read aloud to Magni the Library Dog for 20-minute time slots between 3:15 and 5 p.m. Please pre-register by calling 382-3717 or stopping by the library’s front desk.

Decorah Public Library Administrative Coordinator Kristin Torresdal and her three-year-old great dane, Magni, provide “Tales to Tails” as a team. Magni is a nationally-certified therapy dog that has undergone extensive training and testing to prepare him for this program.

Research has shown that reading aloud to dogs is beneficial to children because the presence of a dog creates an environment that is relaxed, comfortable, nonjudgmental, and fun. The experience is particularly well-suited to children who are reluctant readers or who need a little “something extra” to help them get excited about reading or visiting the library- but all children are welcome to participate.

Families are encouraged to provide suggestions about additional days/ times that they would like to see “Tales to Tails” offered.

[Reader Asher Hockersmith and Magni.]