As part of the national America 250 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 library users 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. View our recommendations
- Attending library events.
- Volunteering in our community.
- Visiting a Texas State Park.
Sign up for the Texas America250 Challenge at burlesontx.beanstack.com or download a paper reading log to participate.