Lola the Library Dog

49 DOG YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE TO CHAUTAUQUA

On August 24th, Miss Lola the Library Dog was awarded The Silver Biscuit for her seven seasons as The Smith Memorial's "reading dog." This informal ceremony took place on yet another beautiful Thursday afternoon, during Week 9.

Anytime Lola roamed the grounds, her mere red presence might incite an impromptu therapy dog petting session amid children. This particular Thursday proved to be no different: it happened on the library steps before the annual Kazoo Chorale. Then again afterward, out on Bestor Plaza...

Since it was food/drink week, Lola's handler celebrated The Silver Biscuit recognition here by enjoying a tasty wine slushy. Lola herself had a drink -- of water, on her way out the Main Gate. P.S. To top it off, it was also Lola's 11 and a 1/2 birthday!!

As summer draws to a close, those of us who have homes -- especially only seasonal ones -- in the area have been busy saying goodbye to them. Likewise, Lola had a packed schedule last week, revisiting many of her favorite local hangs. They were:

SUNDAY -- Big Inlet Brewery in Mayville
MONDAY -- Tap House at Bemus Point Golf Course
TUESDAY -- Time off for good behavior
WEDNESDAY -- Harpersfield Winery near Geneva, Ohio
THURSDAY -- Hiking at Dobbin's Woods in Ashville
FRIDAY -- Long Point State Park/Chautauqua Lake/ Groundhog Hunting
SATURDAY -- Bemus Point Ferry / Fall Fest / Guppy's

READ TO LOLA -- WEEK FIVE RECAP (July 27, 2023)

Another beautiful Thursday afternoon, and one that sadly proved to be our last for the 2023 season... We apologize again for having to end our sessions so abruptly. Yet Lola was having a problem with severe allergic dermatitis -- aka, really itchy skin! Her face became infected and then it needed to heal... Which it did, by Week 9.

READ TO LOLA -- WEEK FOUR RECAP (July 20, 2023):

The Read to Lola program began to be held outdoors during 2021. It was Lola's privilege to be the only volunteer program happening at the Smith, that challenging year at Chautauqua. And... Lo and behold (pun intended), we soon realized our program was EVEN BETTER outside!

So we kept the sessions there. And amazingly, even the clouds smiled upon us... For it never rained on the program, ever -- until this particular Thursday. Even then, it really only sprinkled for a few minutes. We merely returned to inside the Smith... Where we made a few more readers happy.

Happy Int'l Dog Day from Lola and her brother Mo. This is Lake Ontario, taken earlier today... Now Lola has visited and dipped her toes into every single Great Lake!

BREAKING NEWS: 1. Today is Lola's 11 1/2 birthday! 2. At 5 pm this afternoon, she will be awarded "The Silver Biscuit" for 49 Dog Years of Community Service to Chautauqua. This informal ceremony will take place in our usual "Read-to-Lola" location: just to the right of the Smith Memorial Library, on what is known as "Lola's Bench."

Pictured here is Lola back in July 2017, when she began her first season as CHQ's library dog... And if you think this is impressive, since she has been certified as a therapy animal since she was only one, her total years of service are actually 70 (again, in dog years).

TODAY! From 4-5 pm. "Read to Lola" -- outside, just to the right of The Smith Memorial Library. For children ages 5+. (And adults are always welcome to watch/say a hello to Lola.)

Hey, kids (ages 5+): Lola is waiting patiently by the red book wagon, for you to come read one of your faves to her! This Thursday, Week Five, from 4-5 pm. Just to the right of The Smith Memorial Library. Rain location: inside.

Today!!

GET YOUR PAW-TOGRAPH!

Since this is our final season of "Read to Lola," at each Thursday session we are "handing" out paw-tographs as souvenirs. Children can bring a book from home and receive one there. Or, we will have paper available... (Note: this is REALLY Lola's paw print -- we had a special stamp made!)

"Read to Lola" takes place each Thursday, from 4-5 pm, just to the right of The Smith Memorial Library at The Chautauqua Institution. From Weeks 3-8. For those ages 5+ (though adults are always welcome to watch).

READ TO LOLA -- WEEK THREE RECAP:

On a surprisingly beautiful afternoon, dozens of us were lucky enough to read to Lola -- or to simply listen.

READ TO LOLA -- FINAL SEASON

Please join us this Thursday from 4-5 pm, outside and just to the right of The Smith Memorial Library. For children ages 5+. Adults are also always welcome to watch.

Lola smiling because she's on her way to Chautauqua... "Read to Lola" returns today at 4 pm. --See you at The Smith! From Weeks 3-8.

Passed by The Smith Memorial Library to say a quick "hi." And learned that "Faux-la" (who overwintered there) has officially become "part of the library tour." --Love how they have her ready for a fun summer in those sunglasses!

"Read to Lola" resumes this Thursday, July 13th. 4-5 pm outside, just to the right of the library.

Lola spending Week One at The Gleason...

READ TO LOLA RETURNS

For its 7th (and final) season at Chautauqua, next week. Our program will run from Weeks 3-8. And will be same day/time/place: Thursdays from 4-5 pm, and outside (weather permitting) beginning on July 13th. Just to the right of the Smith Memorial Library...

To get us into the readerly mood, here are some photos from a special session that we held during Week 9 of last year: it was essentially a meet-n-greet. So that the many CHQ adults who routinely present at the edges of the program could finally stop "sneaking in..." 😁

Seriously, EVERYONE is always welcome to come watch or pass by and say a "hi" to Lola. Or even grab a hug. Especially this last season! So crack those books (or not) and head on over.

After a long afternoon of driving/riding, Lola arrived in the Chautauqua area on Thursday evening... We are so looking forward to reading, beginning Week 3.

Meanwhile, we hope all the CHQ children have enjoyed the past school year -- with its many books!

Happy Spring from Lola and her "little" brother Mo (he's now bigger than her).

On Monday, a quick winter trip to Lola's beloved Chautauqua -- and of course, The Smith Memorial Library!

It's here! It's December 23rd! It's (since 1997) -- FESTIVUS! (For the rest of us.)

Happy Thanksgiving from Lola and her little brother Mo!

Happy Halloween from Lola -- Library Dog and Vampire Queen.

As some of you may or may not know, Lola has co-authored a book about her dramatic early days. Now the burning question is, which of these should be her Paw-tograph? --Please VOTE for number one, two or three in the comments!