Therapy Dogs, Cops Visit Woodridge Library For 'Kindness' Month

WOODRIDGE, IL — Woodridge Public Library had some special visitors during the month of February to celebrate its "Kindness Creates Community" theme. Adopted therapy dogs and local police officers stopped in to spend time and share stories with children and nurture an atmosphere that celebrates kindness.

Libraries usually use the theme "I Love My Library" in February to coincide with Valentine's Day, but chose instead to "focus on our evermore important role as a place of community, as a place where local people gather, learn, meet and enjoy," Program Coordinator Patti Naisbitt told Patch.

On February 15, therapy dogs Brody and Sophie came to the library from the West Suburban Humane Society to teach kids how to help interact with other dogs they might meet while out and about in Woodridge. Kids and their parents also learned some valuable lessons about different ways they can be helpful to animals.

Police Chief Brian Cunningham and Officer Dan McIntyre became storytellers for a day on February 8 and read books with the children.

To close out "Kindness Creates Community" month, the library hosted a viewing of "Wonder" on February 24. The film's plot revolves around a theme of "choosing kindness," something Naisbitt said Woodridge Public Library will "continue to support and encourage for our staff and community in the days and years ahead."

Check out the Woodridge Public Library event page to see what's in store in the coming months.

>>>Images courtesy of Woodridge Public Library