Video: Meet Bruno, Literary Pooch

"I know he's listening to me—and I know he can understand the story in his own way," said Stephen Nadeau, 8, of his new friend, Great Dane and certified therapy dog Bruno. Stephen came to the Tuesday night decked out in his Scooby Doo pajamas, ready to read Bruno a book about dinosaurs. And while Stephen read, Bruno patiently listened—and once or twice, looked at the pictures, too.

Bruno—also age 8—likes a good story. Children can sign up to read to him, along with his owner Sam Schleiman, at the Malvern Library on Tuesday nights.

Patch stopped by Tuesday night to listen to Stephen, Sadie McKinney (age 5) and Daniel McKinney (20 months) read to Bruno.

Stephen's mom, Dawn Nadeau, said Stephen had been reading a book about vampires, but Stephen was adamant that he did not want to read it to Bruno.

"He wouldn't even bring it into the room... because it might give Bruno nightmares," Dawn said.

Librarian Linda Meachen said the library is hoping to continue Tuesday reading nights with Bruno through at least February.

"It's funny—kids are afraid of small dogs, but this great big one, they're not afraid of in the slightest," she said. "It's amazing, because the adults are as thrilled as the kids to get to read to Bruno."

And in case you were wondering, yes, this growing celebrity does has a Facebook page. Bruno is a public personality on Facebook, and boasts such illustrious fans as State Sen. Andy Dinniman's wife Margo, owner Sam Schleiman said.

For more information on reading to Bruno, contact the Malvern Library at 610-644-7259.

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