Russellville, Arkansas: The Pope County Library is participating in a national literacy program called Reading Dragons and Friends. Reading Dragons is a card-based program designed to promote positive reading habits. This program levels the playing field for readers of any ability or age by rewarding them for the time they spend reading (every 2 hours of reading earns a new mythical creature card). Reading skills develop at different rates for each person, and if a person has a reading challenge, like dyslexia, reading can be difficult. The goal is to motivate individuals to read regularly. In doing so, they will develop reading skills at their own pace and find joy in reading.
Anyone interested in participating may pick up a reading tracker brochure at the library; the brochure explains the system and allows readers to track their progress. Each reader will have the opportunity to earn four different creature card sets per month, as well as a Color Your Own (CYO) card. CYO cards can be submitted for a competition to be voted on during the 2026 Summer Reading program. The top voted cards for each creature category will also be added to the official online Reading Dragons and Friends collection as PCLS 2026 cards.
The Pope County Library will host a Reading Dragons “Hatch” party on Friday, September 26, from 6:00-8:00 pm during their monthly movie night. (The PG-13 movie also features magical creatures). Patrons are invited to build their own Reading Dragons deck box, color a special picture, and get an exclusive card (Frank) which will only be available that night. YA Librarian Morgan Frazier says, “Reading Dragons is intended to promote the fun and excitement of the summer reading program through the rest of the year. Not only can you collect the cards, but you can also play games like war or a version of rock, paper, scissors. This adds another element of connection and fun between families and friends, encouraging more reading.”
Over 400 libraries have access to this free program in 42 states and 5 countries. Reading Dragons was developed at Dover Public Library in Dover, Ohio, by librarians Liz Strauss and Mallory Thompson. It has grown from the joint efforts of creative librarians from all over. Through this collaboration, symbols have been added to provide accessibility for those who are color blind, and coordinating activities and coloring pages have been developed. Additionally, the Reading Dragons and Friends card “library” contains over 900 cards and continues to grow.
