The Friends of the Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library will kick off their monthly special programs for 2024 with a talk on “Caregiver Canines” on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m.

Danielle Maley, program manager and caregiver coordinator for Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, will explain the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs.

She will also discuss caregiver programs available to area residents and how therapy dogs can help reduce stress and loneliness by providing connection, affection, comfort and joy.