On July 4, 2026, America will be commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In celebration of this momentous anniversary, the Library will be holding events for all ages on June 15-20. A gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York partially funds these events. Part of the “Carnegie Libraries 250” initiative, these funds honor the 250th anniversary of the United States and libraries’ role as “cradles of democracy.”
Browse the events below and check out resources to learn more about the history of America’s founding!
Upcoming Events
American Folktales with Storyteller Jean Bolley
Monday, June 15, 2026 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Library Lawn
Hear from storyteller Jean Bolley as she explores some of the people, myths, and legends central to United States folklore. Davey Crockett, Mike Fink, Pecos Bill and other famous and well-loved figures are covered in these very American tales. For students entering grades 1-6. Drop-in; no registration required.
The Summer Lunch Bunch will serve a picnic meal at 11:45am. Meals are free and available for anyone to enjoy on a first-come basis.
We invite you, the people (see what we did there?), to copy the Constitution of the United States by hand (yes, by hand!) In light of the sometimes convoluted language in today’s political discourse, we propose going back to basics. We invite the community to help reclaim the language on which democracy was built. Let’s copy the Constitution. We hope that shifting the focus to these particularly important words will reacquaint all of us with what the Constitution promises. Registration required, starting June 1.
Create a red, white, and blue masterpiece at one of our Patriotic Tie Dye sessions—open to all ages (parent/caregiver assistance required for kids 10 and below). Registration required, starting June 2.
Each participant can bring a white shirt, a pair of socks, or another clothing item, and we will provide red and blue dye and all other supplies to create a one-of-a-kind garment. Please note: We will not be able to accommodate towels or other heavy cloth items.
Family Patriotic Crafts (ages 3-5 with parents/caregivers)
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Meabon Room
Children and their parents/caregivers can work together to create patriotic-themed art projects. All supplies will be provided. Drop-in; no registration required.
Words that Matter: a different kind of book discussion
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Meabon Room
Join us for a different kind of book discussion centered on the book The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson. In this short book, a mere 67 pages, Mr. Isaacson explores the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The impact of those words on our nation’s values and identity has been profound.
We will read certain passages of the book aloud and ask participants to share their insights and reflect on how they resonate with contemporary issues as we sit on the cusp of America’s 250th anniversary. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow readers and celebrate our shared heritage. Registration required.
Living History: Tales From the American Revolution
Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Meabon Room
Step back into the stirring days of the American Revolution as living historians bring three remarkable patriots to life. Join us to hear stories of midnight rides and founding ideals presented by Ken Giorlando as Paul Revere, Larissa Fleishman as Sybil Ludington, and Bob Stark as Benjamin Franklin. Registration required, starting June 4.
Visit the library to see three pop-up exhibits on World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. The exhibits are located in the East and West Galleries and near the Information Desk. There is also a flag on display in the stairwell. This flag is the Grand Union Flag (or the Continental Union Flag) and was the de facto flag of the United Colonies through 1776 and into 1777 until the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Act of 1777. Learn more about the history of the U.S. Flag and flag acts and executive orders that pertain to the U.S. Flag.
The flag and exhibits will be on display through Tuesday, June 23.
Living History: Tales From the American Revolution
