It really is the Dog Day of summer!
The Brooklyn Public Library will celebrate National Dog Day on Aug. 26 with Pups on the Plaza, a canine carnival in front of its Central Library branch. The shindig will feature a doggie costume contest, dog-themed readings, pet adoptions, and free portraits for pups — activities that offer the perfect day for Brooklyn’s pooch-loving bookworms, according to the event’s organizer.
“We have a lot of dog lovers at the library, and in general I think Brooklyn has an amazing rescue community, and this was one way of celebrating that community,” said Mike Fieni, the manager of community engagement for Brooklyn Public Library.
The day will begin with a doggy story time at 10 am, where librarians will read pup-related publications to a canine audience. At press time, the readers had not yet decided which shaggy dog story would get the nod, but the puppy show will definitely include puppets, according to Fieni.
Then, dogs will don their best costumes for a fashion show hosted by public radio journalist Sally Herships at 11 am. Extra points will go to haute hounds who put together a look with a literary theme — a challenge that Fieni predicts will spark genius befitting of the authors being emulated.
“I think we’re going to see some creativity,” he said.
After the show, humans can get a free portrait of their dog drawn by illustrator Kate Gavino, of the book and blog “Last Night’s Reading,” or let their pups loose to splash in one of 12 doggie pools. The library will also roll out astroturf so the fuzzballs can prance without hurting their paws.
Those looking to add a member to their family pack can meet new furry friends from four adoptions centers across the borough, which will have plenty of canines to choose from, Fieni said.
During the event, the library will also install two Dog Parkers, the lockable, temperature controlled huts where humans can temporarily stash their puppers, outside the book repository so literature lovers can take their dogs on a walk to the library without worrying about their safety.
The day will be a wagging good time for both dogs and their humans, Fieni said.
“We’re really excited about it. I think it’s going to be a fun day,” he said.
Pups on the Plaza at Central Library (10 Grand Army Plaza at Flatbush Avenue in Prospect Heights, www.). Aug. 26; 9:30 am–noon. Free.
