The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System announced Ignite Literacy on Sept. 23 at the Pine Bluff Main Library, aiming to put a library card in the hands of every child in Jefferson County and keep young readers engaged, according to the Pine Bluff Commercial.
Library Director Ricky Williams said more than 7,000 students live in the county, but roughly 4,000 do not have library cards. The initiative will pair card enrollment with incentive-based reading challenges and an emphasis on getting books into children’s homes. Organizers estimate about $150,000 is needed to fully fund the project, with a January launch once first-quarter support is in place.
Partners include the city of Pine Bluff and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, which is expected to provide 10 students for after-school homework help at the Main Library and the Watson Chapel and White Hall branches. UAPB is also developing an Arkansas Delta Literacy Institute focused on the science and art of reading. The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission and Explore Pine Bluff are among the sponsors.
Residents interested in volunteering or contributing should contact the library system for current details.
Source: Pine Bluff Commercial — Library system rolls out Ignite Literacy (Sept. 23, 2026).
