America250
On July 4, 2026, the United States is celebrating a historic milestone—its 250th birthday! This landmark anniversary honors two and a half centuries since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our nation's founding promise: that we are all created equal, with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Our history is a rich, ongoing story of innovation and perseverance, and your library is the perfect place to explore it. To celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial, the library invites you to be a part of history and join the commemoration by attending an event, visiting a special exhibit, or picking up a limited-edition library card.
Library Lunch Break Series
Library Lunch Break: The Music of America, Then and Now
When: Monday, September 14, from 12 to 1 p.m.
Where: Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Avenue
Trace the evolution of American music from folk and field chants to the blues, R&B, rock 'n' roll, rock, and rap. Join us for a high-speed chase down the back roads of music history, from songs with no names and no identifiable authors to the pyrotechnics of modern arena concerts. Stick around for a discussion and bring your questions along with the title of a favorite tune or two.
This program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
David Kirby is the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of English at Florida State University and the author of several books, including Little Richard: The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
This project was funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Florida’s LSTA program is administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services.
Limited Edition Library Card
Celebrate America250 with a specially designed limited-edition Leon County Public Library card — available while supplies last! This commemorative card not only unlocks a world of knowledge and resources but also serves as a treasured memento of this historic occasion.
New and current library card holders can receive the America250 card at no cost by visiting any Leon County Public Library location.
Read Across America Beanstack Challenge
Explore the stories, voices, and ideas that have shaped America in Beanstack, the library's online reading tracker. Read engaging books, complete fun activities, and get "bingo" to earn a sticker and enter our end-of-year prize drawing.
Events
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Audience: teens-adults
Location:
Leon County Main Library
Description:
Travel back to 1776 and uncover the often-overlooked roles Florida and the American South played during the American Revolution. Explore this fascinating chapter of history through engaging stories and new historical insights that challenge the familiar narrative of the Revolution. Discover how events beyond the 13 colonies helped shape the struggle for American independence.
About the Speaker
Dr. Roger Smith is a published historian and adjunct professor of American history at the University of Florida and Flagler College. A nationally recognized speaker on Revolutionary War history, he has served as a consultant for AMC’s Turn and appeared in the PBS documentary Secrets of the Dead: The Secrets of Spanish Florida.
More info
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No more events.
Exhibits
Resources
Explore reading lists about the American Revolution for all ages.
Want to read on the go? Check out eBooks and audiobooks in the America250 Collection on Libby using your library card.