ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Youngsters gather Tuesday afternoons 2 to 3 p.m. in the Robertsdale Public Library to read. Another group of youngsters 2 to 3 p.m. Fridays in Daphne.

Nothing that unusual about that, except for who the youngsters are reading to.

Dogs.

The dogs are specially trained, and are part of the Sit, Stay Read! program at the libraries. Modeled after a reading program in several Chicago schools, Sit Stay Read! allows youngsters who can read and who are under the age of 12

“Sometimes children are nervous about reading aloud to people,” said Cynthia Nall, head of the Robertsdale Public Library. “The dog provides a nonjudgmental audience.Nall’s own dog, Maddi, is a SSR! dog.

The program has proved popular at the Robertsdale library, and Nall describes it as “overflowing.” To keep the dogs away from people who might be allergic to them, the program uses a back room with its own doorway for the dogs to pass through. Parents have to sign their youngsters up for the program.

The dogs in the program are a mixed crew of purebreds and shelter rescues All have graduated from the American Kennel Club “Canine Good Citizen” program, and several do hospice work as well as the Sit Stay Read! program.

One of the biggest problems in getting a dog ready for the work is, “dealing with distractions,” says Hillary Ducote, a trainer at PetSmart in Malbis. She brings two dogs to the libraries, “Hoss,” a 1-year-old Lab and “Gracie,” a 6-year-old Weimaraner. Ducote also serves as the program’s trainer.

Observing the program on a Tuesday afternoon in Robertsdale, it’s clear that the youngsters love the dogs, who aside from a little stirring, sit and “listen” attentively as the youngsters read their stories. Library staff keeps track of what they youngsters have read.

Chelsea James of Robertsdale has a daughter, Madison, 6, in the program. Madison will be in the first grade at Robertsdale Elementary school next month.

“We found out about the program from some friends. We wanted to make sure that she reads well, plus she loves dogs,” said James.

Each dog has a volunteer owner/handler who also sits and listens as the children read.

“You have to know how to correct their mistakes,” explained Cathy Blake of Daphne. Blake brings “Pia” to the readings. Pia is a black Lab mix, popular with youngsters for her size and calm demeanor.

While the program was scheduled to end in July, Sonja Presley, a Silverhill resident who is the group’s founder and publicist, says that the program will continue throughout the year, but the group is waiting to hear from parents as to what day and time would be best.

“This was my notion when I (and her dog Versace) began puppy “Pre-K” training,” said Presley. “I asked the trainer, and nobody knew of any programs.”

Presley researched programs and modified the program to more casual, library use. Presley added that each dog has to display 10 different skills to an examiner before earning the “good citizen” badge, which most of the dogs wear on their neckerchiefs or vests.

“It took a year and a half of training before my dog was ready,” said Presley.

Presley’s daughter, Caitlin brings her dog, Dolce, to events. She also helps manage the group’s Web site, wowzaphotography.com/sitstayread.

“It’s important to the kids,” said Caitlin Presley. “They know the dogs can’t laugh at them if they mispronounce words. It’s just good support.”

Dogs in the program have to pass the AKC “Good Citizen” test, and undergo temperament testing, Sonja Presley says. The group recently received a $200 donation from an anonymous Robertsdale library patron, that the group has used to purchase t-shirts do the humans and matching bandannas for the dogs.

“We are always looking for more dogs,” she said adding that prospective owners can call her at (251) 591-4837 for more information. Patrons who wish to enroll their children can contact either library. The Robertsdale library’s phone number is 947-8960 and the Daphne library’s number is (251) 621-2818.