America250 | Dallas Public Library

250 Years of US - Reading America's past, writing our future

Celebrate America250, a nationwide commemoration marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence — library style!

Throughout the year, we will host programs, exhibits and book clubs that explore how our nation’s history has shaped American democracy today — with chances to win Dallas Mavericks or Wings tickets, or State Park passes along the way!

Join our Amazing Race for Independence

America250 Book Clubs

Family working on a craft project together

America250 Events & Programs

Library's copy of the Declaration of Independence

Visit the Declaration of Independence & other exhibits

The American Revolution and the Rebellion in Texas

Thursday, July 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Central Library - O'Hara Hall, 7th floor

Program featuring Doctor Sam Haynes, University of Texas-Arlington Photo of author and Texas flag.

A Declaration Celebration

Thursday, July 23, 6 to 8 p.m.

Central Library - O'Hara Hall, 7th floor

American flag, the Declaration of Independence and a stack of papers with a quill pen.

July's Selection: Revolutionary Summer

Thursday, July 31, 7 to 8 p.m.

Online via Zoom

250 Years of US Book Club. Founding fathers, old map and the cover of the book selection Revolutionary Summer

The Lost Declaration: Escape Adventure

Coming this summer to a branch library near you!

Talking 'Bout a Revolution

Saturday, July 11

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Highland Hills Branch Library

Family Day America!
in Art, Film, & Stories

Saturday, July 25,

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dallas West Branch Library

America's Forgotten Founders

Saturday, July 18, 1 to 2 p.m.

Central Library - Children's Center Craft Area, 2nd Floor

America 250 Junior Book Club

Wednesday, July 15, 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Central Library - Children's Center Craft Area, 2nd Floor

Read for one month or join us every month! We’ve chosen a selection of nonfiction and fiction to fit the tastes of many readers.

Download the whole reading list here.

Attend monthly online book discussions hosted by DPL, George W. Bush Presidential Library and special guests. Check back throughout the year for additional dates & times.

Read about how kids in history faced big challenges, made tough decisions and played important roles in shaping America’s story.

School Age Children's Reading List

Join us at the Central Library for a monthly book discussion. Check back throughout the year for additional dates & times.

Declaration of Indepence - Links to discription and photo of the Library's copy of the Declaration.

The Declaration will be temporarily unavailable for viewing at the Dallas Public Library during June. Visitors can see the document on display at the Hall of State in Fair Park during FIFA Fan Festival Days, June 15–July 17, 2026.

Celebrate its return to its permanent home at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library on Thursday, July 23 from 6-8 p.m.

Learn more about the story of the Lone Star State over the past 250 years with the Texas America250 exhibit. This exhibit highlights historically significant Texas Treasures from the State Archives, encouraging all Americans to explore.

On permanent loan from the Texas State Library & Archives Commission, this exhibit is traveling to Dallas Public Library neighborhood branches. Find out when it will be at a branch library near you.

Spanish Texas during the American Revolution

Discover a lesser-known story of the American Revolution at Spanish Texas during the American Revolution, a compelling new exhibit on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. The exhibit will open on May 22 and remain on view to the public through July 31. Designed and produced by The Mexican American Museum of Texas, this display highlights how Tejanos and Spanish settlers contributed to the American Revolution while navigating the challenges of daily life on the Texas frontier.

The Revolution on Paper: The Books and Ideas Behind the Declaration of Independence

View this new exhibit on the 7th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library starting July 24.

Pirates, Privateers and Patriots

Coming to the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library - 8th floor August 2026.