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

America's Forgotten Founders

Saturday, August 15

1 to 2 p.m.

America 250
Junior Book Club

Wednesday, August 19, 4 to 4:45 p.m.

August A250 Junior Book Club. Now Reading: Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen. Wednesday, Augus 19, 4 to 4:45 p.m.

The Revolution on Paper

Visit the exhibit: July 23 to August 23

J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

7th floor, Kenneth B. Jonsson Gallery

The Revolution on Paper: The Books and Ideas Behind the Declaration of Independence. Experience rare, 250-year-old Aerican treasures on display for a limited time.

250 Years of US
Book Club

Thursday, August 27, 7 to 8 p.m.

Online via Zoom

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.

Adult and child looking at books on a table in a library.

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.

Through the generosity of The Friends of the Dallas Public Library, Inc., this pivotal document is on permanent display in the Declaration of Independence Room of the Central Library. It is one of about 25 extant broadside copies printed at John Dunlap's print shop in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

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.

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

This exhibit highlights rare books, pamphlets, and documents that illuminate the intellectual origins of American independence, alongside the library’s copy of the Declaration of Independence - one of only 26 surviving Dunlap Broadsides printed on July 4, 1776.

On display through August 23 are selected works from Dallas Public Library's Virginia Lazenby O'Hara Fine Books Collection, generously supported by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library, including a letter penned by Benjamin Franklin, Common Sense by Thomas Payne published in 1776, and much more!

Pirates, Privateers and Patriots

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