Wake County Public Libraries will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a variety of special programs, reading lists and new StoryWalk kits that celebrate the diverse stories and voices that shaped the nation’s history.
“The America 250 series is about highlighting the many perspectives and experiences that make up our country’s past,” said Safiyah Jackson, vice chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “Our libraries have created multiple ways for families and community members to explore our shared history and enjoy time together.”
StoryWalk Kits
Beginning this month, America 250-themed StoryWalk kits will be available for checkout. Perfect for community groups and organizations, these kits create engaging outdoor reading experiences. Each kit features a children’s title that explores themes from the Revolutionary War era through prose, poetry and vivid illustrations.
Each StoryWalk kit contains 17–21 panels of book content, 17–21 corrugated plastic boards with Velcro mounting, 17–21 metal yard stakes, and installation and breakdown instructions. Featured StoryWalk titles include:
- “When Paul Revere Rode: Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution” by Sarah L. Tomson, illustrated by Nik Henders
- “Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent” by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
- “Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for Freedom” by Karen Blumenthal and Jen McCartney, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
- “Land of the Free: America’s ABC” by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Pam Carroll
- “America the Beautiful: The Beloved Classic Song Brought to Life” illustrated by Jill De Haan
Kits will be available for reservation online and will circulate for three weeks at a time. They will be offered through December 2027.
America 250 Library Programs
Throughout July and August, local libraries will host a slate of programs for all ages that explore early American history, government and culture. All events are free, but some require registration. A full schedule of events is available online.
Featured events include:
- American 250 Special Display (all ages)
All summer
Monday, Wednesday and Friday | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday | 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Olivia Raney Local History Library
Stop by the Olivia Raney Local History Library this summer to check out Wake County highlights over the past 250 years. - 250th: Celebrate America Block Party (all ages)
Thursday, July 2 | 4–6 p.m.
Morrisville Community Library
Celebrate America’s 250th year with crafts, music, bubbles and loads of fun! - K–5th Adventures: America 250 (school-age children)
Thursday, July 2 | 4:30–5:15 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library
Make your own feather quill and celebrate the anniversary of America’s independence! - K–5th Adventures: Independence Celebrations (school-age children)
Thursday, July 2 | 4:30–5:15 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina Community Library
Celebrate Juneteenth and the United States’ semiquincentennial through hands-on activities. - All About Eagles with NC State Parks (all ages)
Tuesday, July 7 | 10 a.m.–noon
East Regional Library
Drop by and discover how the eagle became the symbol for America! Join NC State Parks staff at the library and explore the important history of these great birds. - Pirates of the Carolinas with Dr. Rebecca Simon (adults)
Tuesday, July 21 | 7–8 p.m.
Virtual
Join historian and author Dr. Rebecca Simon to explore the history of piracy along the Carolina coast, featuring legendary pirates, hidden treasures and coastal lore. Discover how these seafaring figures shaped the region’s culture and maritime history. - Footsteps Through the Revolution (adults)
Thursday, July 23 | 7–8 p.m.
Virtual
Join travel writer and historian Adele Lassiter of American Nomad Traveler for a journey through North Carolina’s pivotal role in the American Revolution. From battlefields to backcountry legends, discover the sites that shaped our nation as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. - Foundations of Government, Courts and Civic Life (adults)
Wednesday, Aug. 12 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Wake Forest Community Library
Learn about the structure of federal, state and local governments; role of the courts; differences between trial and appellate courts; and how civic understanding supports informed participation in democracy. Presented by Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School.
Curated Reading Lists
To complement these programs, librarians have created special America 250 booklists, including:
- America’s 250th: Rebellion and Revolution! — nonfiction titles for adults
- America 250! — downloadable e-books and e-audiobooks for all ages
For more information about Wake County Public Libraries’ America 250 offerings, visit your local branch or explore events and resources online.
