2026 marks two hundred fifty years since the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. As countries go, we’re relatively young in culture and identity. On the bright side, our form of government has endured for two and a half centuries – much longer than many other modern countries. As you think about the year ahead, consider some of these great nonfiction titles in our collection that can help you better understand, appreciate, or celebrate the events that started a nation.

You may have seen them posted on a classroom wall or framed in a school hallway, but when was the last time you actually read the words of the Declaration of Independence? Check out The Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation (342.02 Constit) for a full reading of the text that set forth the American colonies’ grievances against British rule of the time and a vision of high ideals we still reach for today.

If you want to better understand the momentous events of 1776, including what led to the Declaration of Independence and what followed, check out Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters by Edward J. Larson (973.313 Larson). This book will lead you through important events that shaped the start of the United States. Larson guides you through the whole year beginning with Thomas Paine’s publication of “Common Sense” in January through the Battle of Trenton in December.

Looking to understand the meaning and importance of the powerful first line of the Declaration of Independence? Try Walter Isaacson’s The Greatest Sentence Ever Written (973.313 Isaacso). Isaacson explains the drafting process of this foundational idea from Thomas Jefferson’s initial words through the edits of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The author also goes through this opening statement word by word, explaining the nuance and weight of each word choice and why it still resonates two hundred and fifty years later.

Looking for a bit of mystery with your history? Try American Treasures: The Secret Efforts to Save the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address by Stephen Puleo (973 Puleo)! Puleo takes us through the remarkable journey of these important American documents and the ideas they espouse, so we still can read them today. Learn about the circumstances of how they were written and the efforts made to protect and preserve them through the years.

As we remember events that changed the world three long lifetimes ago, we hope you’ll take advantage of your First Amendment freedoms here at the library. We’re always happy to help you find the book or resource you need as we protect your freedom to read.

The library is located at 17 N. Broadway and is open to the public Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.