County Library and Animal Care team up to promote literacy and pet adoptions

Staff member hugging dog inside a library.

In a creative new collaboration, the San Bernardino County Library and San Bernardino County Animal Care have joined forces to promote two meaningful causes: early literacy and pet adoption. The partnership is featured in a joint commercial filmed at a local library, celebrating the joy of reading and the importance of giving shelter animals a second chance.

This initiative is part of the county’s “Opportunity Works, Lives and Plays Here” campaign, which highlights programs and partnerships that enrich the lives of San Bernardino County residents. By combining resources and outreach efforts, the County Library and Animal Care departments are working together to serve families in communities across the county.

A highlight of the campaign is the Telling Tails Reading Program, led by the Animal Care Department. The program invites children to visit animal shelters and read to dogs in a calm, comforting setting. This unique experience boosts literacy skills in young readers, while helping shelter pets become more socialized and adoption ready.

“The library has always been a place where stories begin,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “Through this partnership, we’re helping shelter pets begin new stories of their own—while encouraging our youngest residents to grow a love for reading and compassion.”

The partnership encourages families to consider adoption when adding a pet to their home and to take part in engaging, educational programs offered at both local libraries and animal shelters.

The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serves a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.

For more information about the San Bernardino County Library system, please visit library.sbcounty.gov or call 909-387-2220.

For more information about San Bernardino County Animal Care, please visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov or call 800-472-5609.

Additional County Update News – May 1, 2025