As part of the national America250 America Gives initiative, the Texas Center for the Book, headquartered at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, encourages Texans to join us in reinvigorating a national year-round culture of service in the United States through 2026 and beyond. 

From January 1 to December 31, 2026, we invite Texans of all ages to log 2,500 minutes (41.6 hours) of reading, state parks visits, and/or service activity, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary. 

Participants can log their time:

• Reading books and/or listening to audiobooks. We especially encourage reading about Texas and American history, as well as Texas and American nature, wildlife, and space exploration topics.
   
• Attending library storytimes or other library events.
   
• Volunteering in their local communities.
   
• Visiting a Texas State Park.

The Texas America250 Reading Challenge is self-reported. Let your school or public librarian know when you have completed the challenge, and they can print out a certificate for you.

For Participants
Reading Challenge Participation Guidelines
Get the full program rules!

Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our two-page quick-reference guide.

Plan Your Qualifying Activities:
Find a Public Library Near You
With nearly 1,000 libraries and branches across the state, it’s easy to find the public library nearest you! Search by library name, city, county, or zip code proximity. Please note that Find A Library may not reflect recent changes to library hours or services. Academic and other non-public libraries might not participate in the America250 Reading Challenge. Please contact the library or visit their website for current information.

Texas State Parks
Find a park and plan your visit! Visit the website to make a park reservation, browse campsites and lodging, buy park passes, access maps and rules, learn about upcoming activities, download the State Park Mobile App, and much more.

America Gives
Whether pitching in to support our veterans and military families, or restoring nature trails, or mentoring youth, or picking up litter, or anything in between—there’s a way for everyone to give back. Explore volunteer opportunities near you and find the right fit for you to participate as we get ready for America’s 250th anniversary.

We encourage you to post photos of yourself and your friends and family members working on the reading challenge, whether you’re reading, volunteering, or spending time at a state park. Please tag us @tslac on social media, and use the hashtag #TexasAmerica250. Thank you for celebrating Texas America250 with us!

For Libraries
Reading Challenge Participation Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Register and download completion certificates
Public and school librarians may register and download printable program completion certificates. We have also sent an email to the director of every accredited Texas public library (to the address on file in your annual report).

Reading Challenge press release template
Promote the Texas America250 Reading Challenge to your patrons and community!

Our Reading Log Map, posters, coloring pages, bookmarks, a template press release for your library, and more are posted under Downloads in the left-side menu. See our Downloads page for additional Texas America250 promotional resources.

TSLAC is proud to work alongside the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Office; the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission; the State Board of Education; and the Bullock Texas State History Museum on the Texas America250 Commission.