Fullerton Cares Teams with Local Library for New Sensory Friendly Reading Event with Dogs

Fullerton Cares Autism Foundation is teaming up with the Fullerton Public Library to provide a sensory friendly reading time where children of all needs can meet, greet and read to between seven-to-fourteen certified therapy dogs and explore a wide selection of books to read as they please, beginning on December 13, and every second Wednesday of the month following, from 7:00pm-7:15 pm, at the Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton.

Says Larry Houser, Founder of Fullerton Cares, "Sensory Friendly Read with the Dogs is an inclusive environment for children and their families to be able to enjoy the library. We are excited for this new resource for our community and my son loved Heather the collie and all the therapy dogs."

Sensory friendly reading time is an opportunity for people of all abilities to feel included. Janine Jacobs, Fullerton Public Library Children's Division Manager says, "We understand that sometimes the typical library setting can be overwhelming to families and their children with special needs. That is why we are partnering with Fullerton Cares to provide a much needed time for children of all abilities to experience the enjoyment of reading and the magic that comes from a library."

Children with sensory needs will be accommodated whether it be with light, sound, or touch, and the library staff will be there to help children and their families feel comfortable. Therapy dogs are provided by the Pet Prescription Team.

Free parking is available. Any questions regarding accommodations, please request upon arrival to any Children's Services staff member.

Awareness, acceptance and action are the pillars of Fullerton Cares, a nonprofit spreading autism awareness throughout North Orange County founded by Lawrence Houser, after being inspired by his son, Boyd, with autism. Raising funds for autism charities and programs in Fullerton schools through organized awareness and entertainment events, Fullerton Cares was founded in 2010 and has raised over $75,000 for autism initiatives. Visit fullertoncares.com or follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FullertonCaresAutismFoundation.

The mission of the Fullerton Public Library is to serve the diverse needs of library patrons, foster learning, provide resources, inspire creative thinking and bring the Fullerton community together. Learn more at www.fullertonlibrary.org.