A Cafe With a Mission : Venice’s Dolphin House hosts celebrity readings, brings people together and raises money to help kids.

Three-year-old Torrey Mitsunaga of Culver City probably doesn’t recognize actress Annabeth Gish from the 1988 film “Mystic Pizza” or from her recent role in the CBS miniseries “True Women.” But Gish can tell a good story, Torrey says, and on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Dolphin House--Venice’s cyber-cafe with a conscience--that’s what counts.

Since the Dolphin House opened in January, actors, comedians and musicians including Gish, Minnie Driver, Ken Ober and Marlee Matlin have been quietly donating their time for weekly free children’s storybook readings.

Created by pop singer and three-time Grammy nominee Toni Childs (“House of Hope”), the Dolphin House is a community gathering place that provides not just storytelling for young children but also a computer lab for children up to 18 and even a secret garden. There’s also a community room available for rent. And, for parents, there’s really good coffee.

Besides being a community resource, the Dolphin House is also a vehicle to raise money for Childs’ favorite charity; 100% of the proceeds go to her Dream a Dolphin Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that makes it possible for critically ill children and those with special needs to swim with dolphins at the foundation’s Island Dolphin Care therapy facility in Florida.

Childs said she believes that when children with serious diseases such as cancer are allowed to work and swim with dolphins, they seem to feel better.

At the Dolphin House in Venice, there is a tranquil garden behind the computer lab where a morning story hour is being held. There’s a gurgling stone pond full of fish and, nearby, a rabbit cage; both are very popular with the younger set. Several children are gathered on large pillows in a circle around Gish.

“I was really attracted to this because it’s an opportunity to interact with kids directly, and it’s something I can do that’s for a good cause, rather than just giving money,” Gish said. Celebrities are asked to choose their favorite children’s books to read.

As Gish moves from Arnold Lobel’s whimsical “Frog and Toad” to Mitra Modarressi’s “Dream Pillow,” her young audience draws closer around her. “I like the pillow!” Torrey blurts out.

Meanwhile, parents are huddled at the garden’s shaded tables, drinking espresso and socializing.

Aesthetically, the Dolphin House is a soothing, airy and open place. A folk-artsy wooden door created by Arte de Mexico opens into the small computer lab, where the walls are covered with colorful murals created by House of Blues artist Brent Spears. There’s also a meditation room full of soft throw pillows and a guitar that anyone can pick up.

“I think I like coming here more than my daughter does,” said Victoria Miller of Marina del Rey, mother of Rachel Miller, 3, both of whom attend the readings almost every week. “I get to relax, have coffee and talk to other moms.”

Five-year-old Weylin Etra of Venice has a more, um, practical take on the place. “I like the cookies--and the computers.”

The Dolphin House has only two computers, donated by Apple, but hopes to soon have more, manager Frances Exavier said. Children ages 18 and under can use the computers, which have word processing and Internet capabilities (and games), at no cost. Hours are limited: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday, 7 to 10:30 p.m.

“We would like to be open six days a week. But at this point, we just don’t have the funds,” Exavier said.

BE THERE

The Dolphin House, 1732 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 822-1415. Celebrity storybook readings, Saturdays, 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday: Actress Marlee Matlin will read stories in sign language with an interpreter. Free. No reservations required.