Maxwell isn’t a regular black Labrador. Aside from helping domestic violence victims throughout the week, he also spends his Saturdays listening intently as children read him books at the Keizer Community Library.
“His regular job is supporting victims of domestic violence at the Center for Hope and Safety,” said Jayne Downing, who houses Maxwell. “One of the board members is BJ Toewe, who is also on the board for the library…and he asked if Maxwell might be able to come and have the children read to him.”
Students can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with the Labrador on the first and third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents can sign up for reading slots in person or by calling the library at 503-390-2370.
Maxwell started his second job earlier this summer.
“He loves it. He loved children, so he’s always excited to come and be here,” Downing said.
She said that the Keizer Community Library took inspiration from other libraries around the state that instituted dog readings to help with children’s literacy.
“These children lose their inhibitions of reading. To an adult, they may not be comfortable, but with a dog, they are very comfortable. And I’ve seen that myself. We’re kind of new at this, but it’s amazing that children just sit down and read and feel really comfortable being able to do that with Maxwell.”
So far, Downing said that the six reading slots are filled every other week. Elementary school students are most common, she said, but some middle schoolers have also participated.
Maxwell adores children. As two kids approached him on Saturday, Aug. 2, he stood up and started pacing anxiously. His tail wagged wildly, and the children smiled in response.
“He gets excited when someone new comes up,” Downing said. “He’ll want to acknowledge every person that comes along, because his normal job is being super friendly with people.”
Avery Lindemann, 8, approached Maxwell with timidity. But as she peeled open “Biscuits Love the Library,” a picture book, her fear melted away. She read in a quiet, confident tone. Maxwell lay on his stomach, listening intently.
Avery’s 4-year-old sister, Ella Lindemann, listened as well. When Avery stumbled over words, her mother, Stephanie Lindemann, offered gentle assistance.
“We saw sign ups and thought it sounded like something fun to do,” Stephanie Lindemann said. “We’ve really enjoyed coming to read to Max.”
She has brought her girls to read to Maxwell every other weekend since the program launched. Her daughters participate in the library’s Summer Reading Program, a book reading plan that awards children with prizes. The girls trade off reading to Maxwell.
“It’s a good cadence to come every two weeks. It gives us two weeks to get through our books that we’ve checked out, and then we come and do the library program,” she said. “For people who have learners that maybe are a little bit shy with their confidence in reading, it definitely can open them up.”
Avery agreed.
“It’s just fun. I get to read to a dog,” she said.
Downing has lived with Maxwell since he was a year old. Formerly employed by the Center for Hope and Safety, she took the Labrador into her home after he completed a year of service training.
She brings Maxwell to the library every other week. For her, the children make it worthwhile.
“They are just so excited about seeing him and spending time with him. His favorite thing is children. So it’s great to see him have that chance,” she said.
Downing said she hopes to continue the program into the fall.
“I hope it’s for a long time because he loves it and I love it too, so it’s a really great thing,” she said.
Parents can sign children up for reading slots in person or by calling the library at 503-390-2370.
News tip? Contact reporter Riley Ellis: [email protected].
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