During two Saturdays in August, local children will be able to beef up their literacy skills while bonding with adoptable cats and kittens during Cat Tales, a collaborative effort between the Hobo Hotel and the Calcasieu Parish Public Library.

From 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on August 5 and 19 at the Hobo Hotel, 650 E. School St, elementary-aged children will take turns reading to the cats. 

Christy Comeaux, CPPL public information officer, said that the program – which is similar to Fun with Fideaux – is a solution for “reluctant readers to come out of their shell.” 

The program engages shy children who might struggle with reading out loud, she said. During Cat Tales, they will take turns to sit with the cats and read them books.

“The shelter animals never criticize or correct the children, so the kids feel comfortable… The kids love reading to the cats, and the cats just love the attention.”

A “warm and welcoming” atmosphere will be facilitated by both CPPL and Hobo Hotel staff. Katie Pennington, CPPL programming supervisor, said the children will have a wide range of reading levels to choose from and will have the freedom to decide which specific literacy skills they want to work on.

The felines will be up for adoption “Last year, several made connections with the cats and kittens and intended to make a few more visits before deciding on their forever fur baby,” she said.

Two sessions will be held each day: 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Cat Tales is free, and a library card is not required to participate. Seats are limited, so those that are interested should register in advance by calling 337.721.7170. Comeaux states that there are spots still available for August 19.  

Hobo Hotel can be contacted at (337) 439-2428.