When you enter the library, you may see a very calm greyhound named Penny.
Penny is the James V. Brown Library dog.
Some days Penny may be found attending a staff meeting or standing by the counter greeting patrons. She comes to work with her owner Laura Dow, the library's customer service manager.
Penny spent her early years growing up and racing on a track in Florida.
When she was 5, she was "retired" and adopted by Dow in her forever home. She adjusted well and always has been very calm and friendly.
This month, Penny celebrated her 12th birthday. She is coppery brown and black - called brindle - while her paws, chest and the very tip of her tail are white.
Her notoriety as the library dog also has garnered her opportunities to represent the library in functions such as the American Cancer Society's Bark for Life as the Grand Marshall and at the local Pet Expo where she helped promote summer reading.
In the library, Penny participates in activities, most recently in the Mother Goose Fair where she played Old Mother Hubbard's dog and the kids read to her.
Penny gets along well with Ruby and Franklin, the library's bunny and tortoise.
She spends her time at the adult circulation desk, but sometimes can be found in the children's library. She loves all those tiny little hands and the children love to feel how soft she is.
Penny's favorite book is "Say Hello to Zorro" by Carter Goodrich. She loves to go for long walks and rides in the car.
She likes to stretch out in front of the fan and eat doggie ice cream when it's hot outside, and her favorite food is pizza crust.
Penny provides wonderful moments to both library staff and patrons.
She is the first stop for many library visitors. Stop and see Penny during your next library visit and check out her page on the library's website at jvbrown.edu/penny-the-library-dog.html.
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends.
To learn more about adopting a retired racing greyhound, visit www.monicasheart.com, www.keystonegreys.org, www.ngap.org/index.html or www.poconogreyhound.com.
