WORCESTER, Mass. - Have a bad day or just looking to blow off a little steam? A visit with a local pup may be able to help. "De-stress with Dogs" is a program the Worcester Public Library is offering in an effort to help people's mental state.

"We want to let them know that the library is a safe space where you can come to de-stress and get resources about mental health," said Tara Jankowski, the library's manager of adult services

Anyone is able to meet the therapy dogs, and Monday they were busy. Jankowski said since the program started last year, it has been wildly popular for people of all ages.

"We have our regulars who are here every month," she said. "We have students who will stop their studying just to come down here when they hear the announcement. Our staff loves it."

The library partners with Tufts Paws for People, a volunteer program featuring trained animals which provide support to people in need. Jankowski said the hope is to show the community the library is a place much bigger than just books.

"We definitely want to join the larger discussion about mental health, especially, it's at the forefront of many conversations right now within the community, within the country," said Jankowski. "You know, we're here to help."