Patti Patterson and her dog Lucy, a 7-year-old greyhound, make bi-weekly visits to the New Georgia Public Library in Dallas to help children learn to read.

Patterson and Lucy are volunteers in a program called Reading Paws, in which children age 6 and older read a book to Lucy. They visit the New Georgia Public Library every other Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m.

The sessions last 15 minutes. Each child receives a free book after reading 10 books to Lucy. Branch manager Kendra Winters said New Georgia began offering the program in September and it has proven successful in improving participants’ reading abilities.

“The volunteer says that she has seen two in particular that she’s seen a big improvement,” said Winters.

Patterson said one of the children, a 6-year-old, has noticeably progressed because of the dog’s presence.

“His improvement has been phenomenal. He worships Lucy,” Patterson said.

Patterson said she believes consistent attendance in the program and the comfort provided by a dog are the key components to improving within the program.

“They’re not reading to you, they’re reading to the dog,” said Patterson. “You’re just there as a mentor. That’s what helps a lot.”

The two volunteers have been participating in the Reading Paws program for a year now, previously giving their time at a library in Smyrna.

When the opportunity arose for Paulding County resident Patterson to volunteer at New Georgia, she jumped.

“I just felt like I could do more good in Paulding,” said Patterson.

Lucy is a therapy dog certified through the nonprofit Therapy Dogs Inc., which supports a network of volunteers in animal-assisted therapeutic activities.

Patterson has been volunteering in pet therapy since 2003. Before becoming involved with Reading Paws, Patterson and her pet volunteered at nursing homes and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

“We’ve gone into nursing homes where people don’t speak to anybody,” Patterson said. “Then we walk in and they speak to us.”

Lucy and Patterson will be at the New Georgia Public Library Feb. 4 and every other Saturday thereafter. To schedule a time to read to Lucy, call the New Georgia Public Library at (770) 459-8163.