Frankston City’s furry friends make reading fun a Mission Paws-ible!

Published on 29 April 2022

Reading Tails is the fun and flexible way to foster a love of reading in your child thanks to Frankston City Libraries.

Mayor Nathan Conroy said each session is facilitated by a handler and a friendly, furry pooch who is very fond of being read to, adding that the small-group program is aimed at 7 -13-year-olds.

“The benefits of Reading Tails include increased confidence while reading, increased involvement in the library community, gaining a better understanding of dogs and added motivation to keep reading,” the Mayor said.

Frankston City Libraries Manager, Laura Antoniak, said: “To be able to offer this as a free program to children in our community as a way to help and support their literacy goals and achievement is an incredible feeling.

“Not only are the results seen in the children’s abilities across the term, but each week their eagerness to participate and interact with our Reading Tails furry friend, Shirley, and each other is a credit to the program,” she said.

Canine Comprehension Facilitator, Chelsea, said: “We love books and we want young people to feel the same.” 

Cornelia, whose child has participated in the program, said: “It’s a relaxed environment among books that she loves. Reading Tails at Frankston City Libraries has also helped my daughter with her fear of dogs; she’s learnt more about them.

“The program helps her to open up in a small group environment,” she said.

Young reader, Emily, said: “I like reading to the dogs. They are so cute!” 

Reading Tails starts on Wednesday, 4 May at 4pm and will be held over seven weeks at Frankston Library, 60 Playne St, Frankston.

The program is free, however, bookings are essential. For more information, please visit

https://library.frankston.vic.gov.au/FrankstonLibraries/Events/Reading-tails