Jack, the 5-year-old black Labrador retriever, will visit the Kennebunk Free Library once a month as a patient, furry listener encouraging children to read. His first visit will be Saturday Jan. 16 from 10-11 a.m. Students of all ages are invited to drop in to read to Jack.

Jack is a certified therapy dog who also volunteers at the Kennebunk Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Library reading dogs can help children increase their reading skills and become more confident readers. Practice gained by reading to a dog has been shown to help students increase reading fluency.

No pre-registration is needed to participate. The program is free and wheelchair accessible. Kennebunk Free Library is located at 112 Main St. in Kennebunk. For more information, call 985-2173, ext. 5, or visit the website www.kennebunklibrary.org.

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