Actually, the dogs, and their owners or handlers, come to the library to encourage kids to read. This month, Tom Gramzow brought his three-legged dog, Ryan, for pre-kindergarten to elementary school-aged kids.

After they finish a book, the children are given a sticker with the dog's name and picture on it. When they fill a bookmark with 10 stickers, they're get a toy.

Five-year-old Clarissa Crawford's mother, Tracy, said she's been bringing her daughter to read to dogs at the library since before her daughter could walk.

The program has gone on for five years now, according to Michele Gillett, East Mountain Library's site supervisor. She said it has even helped some children learn to read before they were old enough to go to school.

"Read to the Dogs" is held on the second Saturday of each month, at 1 p.m. For more information call 281-8508 or go to www.cabq.gov/library/dogs.html.