The Donald W. Reynolds Library serving Baxter County is marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a series of exhibits, educational programs and community activities exploring American history, civic ideals and cultural identity.
Andrea Belt, marketing coordinator for the library was a recent guest on KTLO’s Talk of the Town and says if you enjoy history this is a great time to visit the library.
Listen:
The opening exhibit will be on display from Feb. 9 through March 6. The exhibit examines the Declaration of Independence as a transformative document that reshaped political thought in the United States and around the world. Through primary source materials, the display highlights how the ideals expressed in 1776 inspired movements for equality and self-determination.
Community members are also invited to participate in the “250 Art Contest: What Does America Mean to You?” Artwork submissions will be accepted through Feb. 28 for youth in grades K-12 and adults, including a professional artist category. Participants may submit one original two-dimensional or three-dimensional piece. Winners in each category will receive American themed gift baskets, and selected artwork will be displayed at the library in March.
The Read 250 Reading Challenge continues through May 1, encouraging participants of any age to read 25 books connected to American history and culture. Those who complete the challenge will receive a small prize and be entered into an Americana themed grand prize drawing.
Additional programming includes the exhibit Arkansas Arkansaw: A State and Its Reputation, scheduled for March 2 through April 2, exploring stereotypes, folklore and stories that have shaped perceptions of Arkansas.
The library will also host Civics Made Easy with PBS on Feb. 14 at 1:30 p.m., featuring a viewing and discussion on civic topics including elections, voting rights and the Electoral College.
For details, visit the library at 300 Library Hill in Mountain Home, call 870-580-0987 or visit their website www.baxlib.org.
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