Youngsters just learning to read often benefit from a non-judgmental listener, and the Turner Free Library is now offering the services of Koda, a certified pet-therapy dog, to do just that. Children’s librarian Meghan Malone said Kit Hoffman, a Randolph resident and library volunteer, came up with the idea of a pet-therapy reading program at the library. Hoffman and her dog Koda, an Akita mix, are trained as reading therapists through Dog B.O.N.E.S. (Building Opportunities for Nurturing and Emotional Support) in Scituate. “Struggling with the skill of reading can result in high anxiety and low self-esteem; kids may be reluctant to read in front of peers,” said Malone. “Dogs like Koda are very calming, allowing kids to relax and focus on the reading. As children practice, their reading skills improve and they learn to associate reading with something pleasant and positive.” Hoffman and Koda will be at the library on three Saturdays (Oct. 6, Dec. 1, and Dec. 29), from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parents interested in registering their child for a 15-minute block should call 781-961-0932 or e-mail ralib@ocln.org.