Therapy dogs at the North Pole library Sept. 19, first of five Saturdays

Kids in North Pole can practice their reading on a patient audience this month: a therapy dog. The North Pole Branch Library is hosting a Read to a Dog session on Saturday, Sept. 19, where children can drop in and read aloud to a furry listener.

The dogs come courtesy of Companions, Inc., and the idea, the library says, is a "fun, judgment-free environment" for kids working on their reading. The session runs from 1 to 3 pm, no registration required — though the library notes there may be a short wait so each child gets time with the dogs.

The branch is at 656 NPHS Boulevard. It's the first of two Read to a Dog sessions this fall; the next is Oct. 17.