Card Game Jamboree at San Marco Branch Library

Friday, September 11, 2026

A Pokémon Trading Card Game in progress

#A Day of Card Games, Crafts, and Books

Gamers: We're hosting our first "Card Game Jamboree" and you're invited! Play popular card games, win prizes, pick up an exclusive Reading Dragons card, do some crafts, and check out some awesome books on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the San Marco Branch Library, 1513 LaSalle St. Walk in any time between 12 - 4 p.m. and hop into a "casual play" game or join us starting at 1 p.m. for a scheduled tournament.

#Featured Card Games:

Reading Dragons (ages 5-8)
Pokémon Trading Card Game (ages 9-15)
Magic: The Gathering (ages 16+)

Note: The library is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturdays. You can come outside the event hours to play games. Casual play and scheduled tournaments within the event hours will be directly monitored by staff. For more events and gamer resources like this, visit Play Games at the Library.

Illustration of a green dragon playing cards

#Scheduled Tournaments

Game	Number of Participants	Start Time
Reading Dragons	no cap for players	1 PM, 3 PM
Pokémon TCG	18 maximum participants	1 PM
Magic: The Gathering	16 maximum participants	1 PM

#Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question boxes below to learn more.

Can you play as a complete beginner?

Yes! All casual play and tournament spaces will be monitored by a staff member knowledgeable about the game. Beginners are welcome, though we may encourage beginners to stick to the casual play areas and not the tournament.

How do you sign up for a tournament?

Tournament sign-up will be on-site and day-of. There will be about 12-24 spots per game. Casual play will be open from 12-4pm.

Will there be prizes?

Definitely! Each tournament will have a 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place prize, which will include anything from booster packs to commander box, unique card sleeves to a rare card. There will also be freebies for all participants (while supplies last!) so you don't need to participate or win in a tournament to get a goodie.

How will age ranges be monitored?

Age ranges will be monitored by library staff. We want to make sure anyone, of any age, has something they can drop into! We may ask someone older to move to Pokemon or Magic, for example. We want to acknowledge different age groups and make sure there's a safe, appropriate space for everyone. Card games will be separated via children's area, teen area, and main hall.

How about some books?

Library staff will select some of our best book materials around any of our fandoms, so come check out a very fantasy and adventure-stuffed selection of hand-picked books to check out!

Can I bring my own deck and supplies?

You can absolutely bring your own deck and supplies! We will have decks and special exclusive dragon cards for Reading Dragons. For Pokémon, we will have some light deck materials and decks you can play on-site only, but supplies are limited. For Magic: The Gathering, we will only have starter decks designed for beginner play, which can be kept, but will not have full commander decks.

Can I trade cards?

While you can trade cards, the library is not responsible and will not oversee any trading that occurs.

Can I play other games?

The aforementioned card games will be overseen by staff and supported with supplies. With that said, the library is open and free for all! if you find a space and some players, we absolutely encourage you to play whatever game sparks your imagination!

What if I want to take a break from card games?

We will have craft stations and other activities set-up for different ages. If you are waiting for a family member to finish a game or you just want a card game break, stop by and hang out at our craft area!

What is parking like?

Parking is available directly in front of the building. There is also free street parking in San Marco.

Can I have food or drinks?

We do not have a space in the library for food specifically, but you are welcome to eat outside. Covered drinks allowed only (if you have a secure lid, it's all good!).

What is the challenge rating / bracket for Magic: The Gathering?

This will not be a high-end bracket environment. Please bring a bracket 2 or bracket 3 deck. Library staff will monitor overall deck balance to make the games as fun and inviting as possible, matching players up by deck challenge as much as reasonably possible. Our priority for all is to create a balanced, exciting, and welcoming atmosphere for players of all ages to engage with some of the best card games out there!

Four reading dragons and friends cards and the logo created by Dover Public Library

#Reading Dragons: Earn Cards & Battle Your Friends

Reading Dragons are collectible playable cards featuring mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, griffins and more. It is a fun way to motivate kids and teens to build positive reading habits. The program was developed at Dover Public Library by Librarians Liz Strauss and Mallory Thompson. It has grown from the collaborative efforts of creative librarians from all over, including here in Jacksonville.

#Pick Up a Starter Set

Everyone starts with four cards: one Earth (Green), one Water (Blue), and two Fire (Red).

You can earn more cards during Summer at Jax Library or at special events throughout the school year at participating Jacksonville Public Library locations. Ask your local librarian when the next card drop is scheduled.

Trading cards with a green unicorn, blue kelpie, red phoenix and "nacho" dragon, each showing its type as leaf, water or fire.

#Battle Your Friends in a Dragon Duel

Shuffle your deck and then place the entire stack of cards face down, and do not look at them.
Both players draw the top card on their deck, keeping it hidden.
Count to three and then flip your cards over at the same time to see who wins.

Gameplay is similar to Rock Paper Scissors:

Fire (Red) beats Earth (Green)
Earth (Green) beats Water (Blue)
Water (Blue) beats Fire (Red)
If you have the same color you tie
If you tie, the oldest creature wins

Gaming in the Library

Games

Reading Dragons