Can a dog become a librarian? If you ask Kirsten Nilsson, Dan Compton, and the many excited patrons at The Summit County Library’s Coalville, Kamas Valley, and Kimball Junction branches, they’d say, “Yes, and her name is Pippi!”
Pippi, a miniature goldendoodle born in 2019, is the library’s newest Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.). The R.E.A.D. program, launched by Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) in Salt Lake City over 20 years ago, has spread across the U.S. and the world. Its mission is to improve children’s literacy skills through registered therapy teams serving as reading mentors.
A Perfect Match
Pippi’s owner, Kirsten Nilsson, has been the Youth Services Librarian at Summit County Library since 2011. “The job fell in my lap, and it turned out to be absolutely perfect for me,” she shares. The library had previously worked with R.E.A.D., and Kirsten saw firsthand how reading to a dog reduced children’s stress and built their confidence.
Knowing the benefits of the program, Kirsten wanted a dog that could be part of the library. She carefully chose Pippi for her calm, gentle temperament. “She was the smallest in her litter and had just the right personality for working with kids,” Kirsten explains. Pippi started visiting the library as a puppy and has been coming ever since.
Library Director, Dan Compton, was thrilled when Kirsten suggested Pippi as a R.E.A.D. dog. “Children all over the county now have the opportunity to read to Pippi if they would like,” he says.
Overcoming Challenges
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed Pippi’s journey. Because she wasn’t around children for a long time, she became hesitant when they returned to the library. To help, Kirsten partnered with ITA to train Pippi as a therapy dog. Pippi started working in hospitals, providing comfort to patients, and later began volunteering at the airport to assist anxious travelers.
“It’s been surprisingly rewarding,” Kirsten says. “Pippi really knows what she’s doing.” She explains that Pippi instinctively adjusts her energy based on the situation—offering quiet snuggles to patients in need and playful energy to those who want interaction.
After two and a half years as a therapy dog, Pippi was finally ready for her library role. Dan eagerly awaited the day she could officially read with children, and soon, Pippi was attending book clubs and story time. “She loves to sit in her cart, put her head over the edge, watch the kids, and sometimes even fall asleep,” Kirsten says with a smile.
In December 2024, Pippi and Kirsten passed their certification test and officially became a R.E.A.D. team.
A Safe, Encouraging Space for Young Readers
Reading to a therapy dog is far less intimidating for children than reading to an adult. Dogs don’t judge, correct, or rush them. The R.E.A.D. program is open to preschool-age children and older, as well as disabled adults. It helps with fluency, confidence, and developing a love for books.
Unlike school-based R.E.A.D. programs, the library’s approach is more flexible. “It’s about introducing kids to the joy of reading and showing them that libraries and books are fun,” Kirsten says. She loves watching children return and grow as readers. “Some kids think they don’t like reading, but often, they just haven’t found the right book yet. I love helping with that.”
Dan praises Kirsten’s dedication, saying, “She works hard to prepare children for school and improve literacy skills through various programs. Our mission is to create lifelong learners, and Kirsten plays a key role in fulfilling that.”
What Happens in a Reading Session?
Sessions with Pippi last 20 minutes and take place in Kirsten’s office at the Kimball Junction branch. The door remains open with a small gate, and a sign lets visitors know Pippi is busy reading. Parents are encouraged to browse the library while their children enjoy their independent time with the R.E.A.D. team.
Children aren’t required to read aloud—Kirsten can step in, and sometimes she and the child take turns reading. There’s little monitoring or correction; instead, the focus is on positive reinforcement and creating a relaxed, enjoyable environment. Books are available to choose from, or children can bring their own.
Dog-themed books are especially popular, and many children return to read with Pippi again and again. She loves making new friends and listening to their stories.
The Library’s Furry Librarian
Pippi may not have a degree in Library Science, but as a certified therapy dog and R.E.A.D. assistant, she is officially part of The Summit County Library team. She helps make reading a fun, stress-free experience for young readers while strengthening the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning.
So, can a dog be a librarian? At Summit County Library, the answer is a resounding yes—and Pippi is proving it every day!
To learn more, visit thesummitcountylibrary.org
