Iola Reads Kick-Off on Oct. 5, 2026

It’s October. That means it’s time for the Fall 2026 Iola Reads community read of Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon!

Book cover for Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your DragonRead:

Look for the yellow tubs at the Iola Public Library and around town. They are filled with 600 copies of the book to read, share, and discuss.
We also purchased full sets of the How to Train Your Dragon series for the Iola schools, plus dragon-themed books for the preschoolers.

Books will be available at the following locations: Iola Public Library, Community National Bank, VisionSource, Senior Center, City of Iola, Townhouse, Wild Bloom Coffee, Iola Pharmacy, G&W Foods, CHC SEK, Bennett Laundry, Ashley Clinic, Allen Community College, and the new Lehigh Portland State Park Welcome Center.

Hatch:

Hatch a Dragon! Starting October 5 until supplies last, Iola students who check out a book at the Iola Public Library will receive a dragon’s egg.

Watch:

Oct. 22 at 6 pm: Movie Night at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. View the movie on the big screen. We will have refreshments and prizes.

Train:

Join the Dragon Riders’ Workshop and Training Camp at the Iola Public Library on Nov. 6 at 6:00 pm. Dragon Riders will make cardboard armor, shields, and wings on the SEKLS Chomp saws to decorate and then participate in the Dragon Riders’ Training Camp in the main library. Prizes will be given for completing the course!

Iola Reads schedule of Upcoming Events for Fall of 2026.

Iola Reads History:

Iola Reads is a one book, one community project started in 2005 and is a collaboration of the library, USD 257, Allen Community College, and the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, with support from the Allen County Historical Society (courtesy of Donna H.).
Learn more about the history of this community program under “Iola Reads – One Book, One Community Committee” on the Services Page.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iolareads