10/31/2025
Red Dragons Read’s first chapter has begun, with the program offering a free take-a-book, return-a-book system to anyone on campus ready to find their new favorite novel.
Announced in early October, the project was the result of student requests for screen-free recreational reading. It officially kicked off at the end of the month after more than 600 books were donated for the program, including close to 100 new books bought thanks to the William Haines ’63 Fund.
Red Dragons Read bookcases are in four buildings across campus for lovers of literature to check out:
- Old Main: by the former Dragon’s Den
- Moffett Center: by Café Sawubona
- Bowers Hall: by the first floor student lounge
- Education Building: by the Dean’s Office in the second floor lounge
Each case started with 70 to 80 books on its shelves, with extra books kept in storage to restock shelves. A volunteer group of 16 students organized the books and labeled them with stickers before bringing them to the cases.
The effort to put real paper pages in the hands of students is designed to support wellness, encourage a break from the screens ever present in modern life and foster a stronger culture of reading for fun across campus.
Among the biggest contributors were a School of Education book drive that collected more than 155 books for the program and a Cortland County Historical Society donation of 126 books. One shelf in the Education Building’s bookcase is reserved for content to help student teachers stock their classroom libraries.
So far, the new initiative has been a story of success. Books are already being borrowed, according to Red Dragons Read coordinator Jenifer Phelan, assistant librarian for Memorial Library.
“I was so impressed by the overwhelming enthusiasm and participation from students and grateful for the incredible donations and support from the SUNY Cortland community, including alumni, and the Cortland community at large,” Phelan said. “The amazing community involvement is what made the Red Dragons Read project a reality."
Donations are still welcome, and anyone with a book they’re ready to part with can add it to a bookcase. The cases will be routinely checked by staff for new items.
Contact Phelan for more information on Red Dragons Read.