Meet Juna: The Dog Helping Kids Love Reading at Hamburg's Library
A unique reading support program for children has launched at the Bücherhalle Lokstedt in Hamburg. Unlike other libraries in the city, this initiative pairs young readers with a trained dog named Juna. The sessions aim to make reading more enjoyable and less intimidating for kids.
Dajana Dräger, who runs the program, brings her dog Juna to the library on Wednesdays and Fridays between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. Each child receives a half-hour slot, beginning with a welcome ritual before moving on to reading, a game, and an obstacle course with the dog. The sessions take place in a quiet, separate room to keep distractions to a minimum.
The idea behind the program is simple: children often feel more relaxed and confident reading aloud when a dog is present. Juna's calm and non-judgmental nature helps them open up more easily. The dog's training included obedience exercises, aptitude testing, a workshop, and a final 'dog license' assessment to ensure suitability for the role.
While the program is free, demand has been high, leading to a waiting list for participation. Dräger originally adapted the concept for Lokstedt, and now similar teams operate in other branches. However, this specific dog-assisted reading promotion remains exclusive to the library near me.
Those interested in signing up or learning more can contact the library via email at [email protected].
The program offers a creative way to support children's reading skills in a stress-free environment. With Juna's help, kids gain confidence while enjoying a structured yet playful session. The initiative's success has led to growing interest, though spaces remain limited due to high demand.
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