Opportunities From: One Albuquerque Volunteers

Read to the Dogs

Thank you for considering volunteering your time and labor (and that of your furry companion!) to support and promote this important Library service.

Program Overview - What is Read to the Dogs?

Read to the Dogs is a program sponsored by the Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Handlers bring their registered pet therapy dogs into the library and provide children with an opportunity to read aloud. The registered pet therapy dog sits calmly and quietly for a story, creating a relaxing atmosphere for children. This gives children an opportunity to practice their reading skills without fear or judgment. The adults do not correct a child’s reading. Parents may sit quietly in the room with their child or take this moment to find a book and read just outside the program area. You can read more about it here.

Why dogs?

The Public Library is pleased to provide this nationally recognized program to our families. In a 10 week study by the University of California, researchers found a 12 percent increase in reading fluency by one group and no improvement by the group that didn't read to dogs. It was reported by 75 percent of the parents that their children read aloud more frequently and with greater confidence after reading to the dogs. Children who practice reading have greater success in school and children who feel successful go on to read at higher grade levels. The Public Library hopes through this program children will relate to reading in a positive way and become lifelong readers.

How can I participate in this program with my dog?

All dogs in this program are trained and registered in a dog therapy group. All Read to the Dog volunteers must belong to one of the following groups:

Southwest Canine Corps Alliance of Therapy Dogs Warm Hearts Network High Desert Therapy Dogs

Please visit these websites for more information about joining a dog therapy group.

After completing the testing and registration process with one of the therapy groups listed above, you will need to upload the relevant documentation. This includes a copy of the membership card or certificate from one of the above organizations; and a current health form from one of the above listed organizations (proof of rabies vaccination is included on this form). 

Additionally, you as a handler will need to pass a criminal background check and receive a Certificate of Compliance from library admin. Furthermore, the Certificate of Compliance can be completed by contacting the Library Admin at this email address: bwolff@cabq.gov. 

City policy requires anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Library to consent to the performance of a background investigation by an outside agency. There is no cost to you.

A new volunteer may not participate in the Program until you have been approved. After approval, you may participate in the Read to the Dogs program at any of the eleven (11) participating Libraries. Please note that teams from the other agencies may be present at the same time you are. 

If you have any further questions, please contact your Library Branch's Volunteer Coordinator. 

At which Libraries? Main Library
1st Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

 

Thank you for considering the Library and Read to the Dogs for your volunteer service!

Description

Thank you for considering volunteering your time at the Main and Genealogy Library in Albuquerque!

Do you need to earn service hours for school, or for a special project? Do you want to gain work experience? Do you love Libraries and want to learn a little bit more about how they work?

Volunteers play an important role in assisting the Library to offer our services to the community on a continuing basis—and our teen volunteers are no exception!

Teen volunteers are selected based upon their qualifications, enthusiasm, and the needs of the Library at any given time.

 

What are some of the volunteering opportunities?

A sample of teen volunteer assignments is listed below. Not all opportunities are available at all times or at all branch locations. For a full list and descriptions, please ask at the Reference Desk.

Shelf reader Special Programs Assistant Book Displays

While we appreciate every person who wishes to volunteer at the Library, opportunities are sometimes limited. Please be aware that we may not have a volunteer position available at this time that suits your interests and abilities. If you are accepted as a volunteer, we may ask you to alter your duties to meet the changing needs of the Library. Additionally, if your work is no longer necessary or proves unsatisfactory, you may be released.

 

What are some of the necessary skills or abilities?

The skills we prefer our teen volunteers have experience with depends on the assignment. Here is a sample of skills we look for:

Good attention to detail Knowledge of alphabetical order Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal System Ability to match bar code and title Ability to follow oral and written instructions Ability to work independently Ability to ask questions when clarification is needed Ability to become familiar with all sections of the branch

Please note that not all skills are necessary for all volunteer assignments.

 

Have an idea for a Library community activity?

Our teen volunteers have great ideas for community activities (especially for youth)! Besides the opportunities listed above, if you have another idea for an activity you think your branch Library could benefit from that you could volunteer for, let us know. At various branches, we have activities like chess club, storytimes for younger children, science programs, book clubs (in various languages)—the list goes on! You are welcome to talk to the Youth Volunteer Coordinator at your local Library to discuss what's possible.

 

Agreement As a Library youth volunteer, you agree: To follow staff directions. To arrive on time and check in with staff upon my arrival. To inform the Branch as soon as possible if I am unable to volunteer during my regular schedule.

 

The Library agrees: To provide you with a safe work environment. To provide supervision and training by a member of the Library staff. To address your requests and concerns.

 

What else do I need?

A criminal background check will be required. City policy requires anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Library to consent to the performance of a background investigation by an outside agency. There is no cost to you.

You will also be asked to complete a short interview with the branch's Volunteer Coordinator.

 

**Please note: Based on the New Mexico Child Labor Laws, youth ages 12-15 may only volunteer for up to 4 hours per week during the academic school year; and, when school is out, for up to 20 hours per week.**  
Thank you for considering the Library for your volunteer service!