Reading project is sure to get tails wagging

The Big Read is going to the dogs. The annual community reading project hosted by Washington-Centerville Public Library, other area libraries, colleges and Books & Co., is focused this spring on the unique ability of dogs to impact human lives.

By popular vote last fall, readers chose The Underdogs: Children, Dogs, and the Power of Unconditional Love by Melissa Fay Greene to be the topic of book discussions and special events taking place March 5-April 16 across the Miami Valley. The Underdogs tells the story of the Xenia, Ohio-based service dog organization, 4 Paws for Ability and its founder, Karen Shirk. The book weaves the latest scientific discoveries with Karen’s story and the stories of children with disabilities and their families. Citizens are encouraged to read the book and participate in related events as a way to build community and promote reading.

Sponsoring libraries, including Washington-Centerville Public Library, will have a variety of dog-focused programs scheduled. These events are slated at Centerville Library, 111 W. Spring Valley Rd. unless noted otherwise:

March 5, 6:30 p.m. - Pets, Hospitals and our Military. Learn how the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association offers pet therapy services for patients and staff at both the WPAFB Medical Center and the Dayton VA. Meet service dogs Bailey and Rocky Too. For all ages.

March 15, 7 p.m. – Book Ends Book Discussion March 20, 1 p.m. – Page Turners Book Discussion

Join in for the Big Read discussion at Woodbourne @ Cross Pointe, 101 E. Alex Rd., Suite 118.

For more information on the Big Read, related events or Washington-Centerville Public Library, visit wclibrary.info/bigread/ or bigread.org/.