Each year, the Free Library celebrates the "Dog Days of Summer" with a social media campaign, inviting our community members to post pictures of their dogs who love to read and tag them with #FLPDogDays!

This year, the Parkway Central Children’s Department is bringing Dog Days to real life on Saturday, July 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with an outdoor celebration in Shakespeare Park! Bring your whole family, including your dog, for a fun-filled morning of dog-themed activities, giveaways, prizes, and more.

Our special guest is award-winning author and illustrator Sarah Jacoby (Rabbit and the Motorbike, The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown, Forever or a Day). She will read from her book Can I Sit With You?, the story of a girl and a dog who discover how life transforms and expands through companionship and loyalty, and how engaging with others makes the world embrace you in return.

Three lucky winners will take home a dog painting by Sarah! All attendees can take home coloring & activity sheets, along with a 36-pack of crayons (while supplies last). Free Children’s and Teen books will also be available courtesy of our Summer of Wonder program! Attendees will also receive dog-themed prizes, like bracelets and erasers!

Besides meeting and mingling with other dog owners (and dog lovers—all are welcome), you can participate in these additional activities:

• Take a kids’ yoga break with Children’s Librarian Ms. Becky!
• Stop by the Field Teen Center table to learn more about their awesome programming!
• Pet a therapy dog from PAWS for People!
• Get a free dog treat from Ham + Bone!
• Purchase a signed copy of Can I Sit With You? from The Head & The Hand!

Shakespeare Park is located on the Parkway, directly across the street from the Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine Street. Water for dogs will be available. Humans should bring their own water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen. It’s going to be hot! We are celebrating the hottest, muggiest, stickiest Dog Days of Summer, after all!

For information about more upcoming programming for children and families, please visit our Events Calendar.