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

Opportunity, Exclusion & Resilience

Wednesday, May 6, 2 to 3 p.m.

Walk with
Juanita & Jane

Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Junior Book Club

Now Reading: Loyalty by Avi

Wednesday, May 20, 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Spanish Texas during the American Revolution

Exhibition Opening: Friday, May 22

Central Library, 8th Floor

Survive 1776: A Revolutionary Family Adventure

Saturday, May 23

Central Library, 1st floor Showcase

America's Forgotten
Founders

Saturday, May 23, 1 to 2 p.m.

250 Years of Us:
Book Club

May's Selection:

The Only Good Indians

Thursday, May 28, 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.

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.

Did you know Dallas is home to the only copy of the Declaration of Independence west of the Mississippi? You can view it for free, at the Central Library, any time the library is open.

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.

Freedom 250 at the Bush Library

Opening the Vault at the Presidential Libraries invites the public to experience the power of original documents, up close and in person. From April 20 to May 21, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is sharing original, history-making records with the public at the George W. Bush Presidential Library. These documents, many of which have never left the National Archives, are a window into America’s past, allowing visitors to engage with records of significant events in our nation’s history.