Dog Ears Bookstore & Café will once again offer a free after school youth program — the Homework Help, Games & Clubs Program — for students in grades 3-8 beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13 and ending on Dec. 10. Three different days of programming will be offered by grade group. Tuesdays will feature programs for students in grades 3 and 4, while Wednesdays and Thursdays will be targeted towards students in grades 5 through 8. Depending on numbers, there will be an opportunity for children to attend all three days.

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

A nonprofit community bookstore, Dog Ears is located at 688 Abbott Road, Buffalo, near Mercy Hospital. Sessions will be 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 register their children at the bookstore or by calling (716) 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 M&T Bank, South District Council Member Christopher Scanlon and New York Assemblyman Patrick Burke.