Let’s celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America! July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. From all of us at the Palo Alto City Library, we hope you enjoy a safe and festive holiday with family and friends. Celebrate this historic milestone with special library programs, online resources, and booklists.
Please note that all Palo Alto City Library locations will be closed for the holiday on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Ways to Celebrate
Library Events:
- Tuesday, June 30th at 10:30am: Family Storytime at Children’s Library: Happy Birthday, America!
Library Resources:
- Discover and Go: Find free museum passes for the holiday weekend
- Parks Passes: Plan a trip to a state, county, or city park with free park passes
Online Library Resources:
- Watch The American Revolution, a film by Ken Burns, on Kanopy
- Watch The Great Courses' The Declaration of Independence: America’s Birth Certificate on Kanopy
Booklists:
Children
- Fourth of July Board Books & Picture Books
- PACL Recommends: Books to Celebrate America (Grades K-5)
- PACL Recommends: Books to Celebrate America (Grades 6-8)
Teens
Adults
- America at 250: Biographies of the American Revolution
- The Greatest American Movies Of All Time
- Proud to be an American
- United We Read: Celebrating American Unity and Diversity
Free Local Events:
- Saturday, July 4th 11:00-3:00pm: City of Palo Alto’s 4th of July Chili Cook Off and Summer Festival
- Saturday, July 4th 10:00-4:00pm: An Old Fashioned 4th at the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City
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