America's 250th Anniversary

Brooklyn Public Library Celebrates America's 250th

July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This spring and summer, the Library is celebrating with an extra special booklist, an exhibition at the Center for Brooklyn History, and programs for all ages.

Beginner ESOL Classes
Battle of Brooklyn Exhibition

The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered uses primary source material from the Center for Brooklyn History's collection to relay the story of this turning point in American history, sharing the events of this battle with new relevance.

Visit the exhibit

250 for 250 Booklist

The 250 most influential books in United States history, selected by our expert librarians—with help from a few notable New Yorkers! Organized by genre and category of interest, this all-ages booklist is a deep dive on the stories, voices and moments that shaped America.

Explore the list

A woman in a bright blue ensemble walks down a runway during The People's Ball
The People's Ball

On Sunday, May 3, The People’s Ball returned to Central Library. In honor of America's 250th anniversary, this year’s event celebrated the enduring legacy of American fashion. Thanks for walking the runway with us!

More info

Upcoming Events

At branches across the borough, the Library is commemorating America's 250th with programming for all ages, including film screenings, storytimes, arts and crafts, and so much more.

View all events