The Billings Public Library Foundation received a grant through the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation for a Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program  This program utilizes registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owners/handlers to be reading companions to children.  Children who participate in the R.E.A.D. program make enormous strides in reading and communication skills which helps build self-esteem, confidence and social skills.  The Library Foundation has earmarked $600.00 of the grant for the purchase of books to used in the program.

Since 1999, the Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) group has been providing services to children via their R.E.A.D. program and have agreed to partner with the Library and bring this program to children the first Saturday of each month.  The $600 donation from the Library Foundation will allow the Library to purchase books for this program.

• Approve, or;
• Disapprove the donation.