The popular free after school youth program for students in grades 3-8 at Dog Ears Bookstore will resume on Feb. 4 and run through June 12. Three different days of programming are offered by grade group. Tuesdays feature programs for students in grades 3 and 4, Wednesdays are targeted towards students in grades 5 and 6, and Thursdays are reserved for students in grades 7 and 8. Depending on numbers, there will be an opportunity for children to attend all three days.

All sessions are held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and are limited to 20 students per day. Sessions are taught by literacy specialists and New York State Certified English Language Arts teachers. All class materials are provided, along with a small snack.

A nonprofit community bookstore, Dog Ears is located at 688 Abbott Road, Buffalo, near Mercy Hospital. Sessions are held upstairs of the bookstore (enter through the front entrance). Adults do not need to attend with their child but must be mindful of drop-off and pick-up times. Parents are welcome to wait for their children in the café, which will be open for food and beverage purchases.

Pre-registration is required and youth are expected to attend each week. Parents can sign up their children by calling the bookstore at 823-2665. When signing up, please make sure to indicate which day your child will be attending.

The free after school program is made possible through funding from Erie County Youth Services, M&T Bank and Christopher Scanlon’s office.