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

America250 Junior Book Club

Wednesday, November 18

4 to 4:45 p.m.

A250 Junior Book Club Now reading: The Fighting Ground by Avi

250 Years of US
Book Club

Thursday, November 19

7 to 8 p.m.

Online via Zoom

November's selection: Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge – Thursday, November 19, 2026, 7 - 8 p.m.

Roots & Recipes: Cookbook Reveal Celebration

Saturday, November 21, 1 to 4 p.m.

Central Library, 1st floor

Community Showcase

Roots & Recipes Cookbook Reveal Celebration. Brown background with line-drawing of various vegetables in beige in the foreground.

America's Forgotten Founders

Saturday, November 21

1 to 2 p.m.

Oral History
Recording Booth

Your Story is part of America's Story.

Roots & Recipes: Bring your recipes. Share your stories.

Coming to your neighborhood branch library this fall.

Roots and Recipes. Help preserve the flavors of Dalls in a new digital cookbook! Fall 2026

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 on display at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 7th floor.

Pirates, Privateers and Patriots

Set sail into an era of adventure, intrigue and danger on the high seas on the 8th floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

Explore the history of piracy and privateering during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the line between pirate, privateer, sailor and patriot could sometimes be surprisingly thin. Learn what separated pirates from privateers, how letters of marque transformed private citizens into authorized raiders, and what daily life was like aboard a pirate ship.

Hoist the colors, leave the shore behind and discover the stories that made the high seas legendary.