Literacy & Story Time

Experience animals of all kinds through books.

Home | Youth Programs | Literacy & Story Hours

About this Program

Engaging books with a variety of reading levels that share the same message of empathy and kindness to animals (and each other!) is pivotal to AWS’ Youth Programs mission. We offer several programs to promote literacy, animals and fun.

Rescue Readers

What to Expect

Open to students in grades 1-8. Rescue Readers brings together elementary/middle school students and AWS resident pets for a half hour of literary-based confidence building. Reading aloud forms a special bond between student and pet. It provides enrichment and positive socialization for the animal, it boosts confidence in children, and it gives students a safe space to build a positive association with reading.

Students have access to special reading materials and receive reading comprehension guidance from our Youth Programs Coordinator, as needed. Students are also welcome to bring their own reading materials.

Upcoming Events

Furry Tales Story Time

What to Expect

Furry Tales Story Time combines pets, literacy and fun! Toddlers, preschoolers and their families explore the exciting world of animals with stories, playtime, crafts, songs, movement and plenty of time with various pets.

Furry Tales takes place in different locations in our community – including at area libraries. Check out the listings to find out when Furry Tales is heading to your community!

Furry Tales is free to attend, though donations are welcome. Children (and their families) are encouraged to bring in items they’ve purchased from our Wish List or made from our At-Home Project Guide.

Upcoming Events

Thank you to Kennebunk Savings for sponsoring Rescue Readers and Furry Tales Story Hour for the 2023-2024 school year.
With their generosity, these programs are free to attend.

Questions?

For more information, please contact Youth Programs Coordinator via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 109.

Follow Us!

@aws.maine

The cats and dogs at AWS are ready for another friendly competition this Giving Tuesday on November, 28! Who will win?This year's competition centers around which species is the Coziest Companion: Cats or Canines? Throughout the day on Giving Tuesday, follow along on our social media pages as the pets and people of AWS try to convince you which of their favorite species deserves your support as the coziest, cuddliest animal. 

Remember, the team who raises the most funds on Tuesday will be crowned this year’s Giving Tuesday winner. Most importantly, all funds raised in this friendly competition support pet care here at AWS. We look forward to seeing which pet comes out on top as the coziest companion! 

(psst! You can help your favorite team get ahead by donating early on our website. Just follow the link tree in our profile to the Giving Tuesday page!)
Does your dog or cat need an updated rabies vaccine or microchip? Come visit us on Saturday, December 2 from 9am - Noon to receive either or both for FREE! We're here to help the people and pets of our community stay happy and healthy! 

This event is FREE, but we ask that you please register in advance on our events page so we can establish a timeframe for the day.
Humans aren't the only ones who enjoy a good Thanksgiving feast! We love sharing festive foods with all our furry friends at AWS! 🍂

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟. 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝!