From Reading District Libraries
Reading District Libraries is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the fourth annual Pages for Pets community reading challenge, with this year’s sponsored shelter pet, Barkley, already settling into his forever home.
Each summer, Pages for Pets invites readers of all ages to work together toward a shared goal: read a collective 500,000 minutes to sponsor the adoption fee of a shelter pet. Hosted by Reading District Libraries in partnership with Humane Pennsylvania, the program encourages reading while demonstrating the power of community action.
This year, readers read over 504,000 minutes, unlocking the sponsored adoption of Barkley, a friendly 1-year-old Corgi who quickly won hearts with his affectionate personality, love of treats, and signature “wiggle butt.” After being found as a stray and cared for by Humane Pennsylvania, Barkley has now been adopted into a loving home, where he has a new four-legged sibling.
“We’re so excited that Barkley has found the perfect family,” said Marissa Guidara, Youth Services District Consultant for Reading District Libraries. “Pages for Pets is about more than encouraging reading — it’s about showing that when a community works together, even small actions can make a meaningful difference. Every minute our readers logged helped give Barkley the happy ending he deserved.”
Since launching in 2023, Pages for Pets has inspired readers across Berks County to log more than 2.2 million minutes while sponsoring the adoptions of Agent 007, Egypt, Weebles, and now Barkley. Each pet has gone on to find a loving forever home, demonstrating the lasting impact of the community’s commitment to reading and animal welfare.
Reading District Libraries extends its sincere thanks to everyone who participated this summer, as well as to Humane Pennsylvania for partnering with the district to make Barkley’s adoption possible. Every page turned and every minute read helped write the next chapter in Barkley’s story.
About Reading District Libraries
Reading District Libraries is a department of the Reading Public Library, which serves as the state-designated District Library Center for our region. Reading District Libraries provides an ecosystem of support for public libraries across our district through consultation, shared resources, district-wide initiatives, collections, community partnerships, and opportunities for library collaboration — including programs and events like this! Reading District Libraries serves all 25 public library locations in Berks County, including those that are members of the Berks County Public Library System.
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