The Texas Center for the Book and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) invite Texans of all ages to participate in the statewide Texas America250 Reading Challenge (www.tsl.texas.gov/america250/challenge), which launched Jan. 1 and continues through the end of the year.
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026, Texans are invited to log 2,500 minutes (41.6 hours) of reading, state parks visits and/or service activity as part of the national America250 America Gives initiative, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
A Joint Resolution of the 87th Texas Legislature, SCR 23, signed by Governor Greg Abbott on May 28, 2021, established the Texas America250 Commission, “to help celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States.” TSLAC is proud to work alongside the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism; the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission; the State Board of Education; and the Bullock Texas State History Museum on the state commission.
“Children are our greatest gifts,” said Governor Abbott. “Reading unlocks a world of opportunities and enjoyment throughout life, which is why I encourage all young Texans to participate in the Texas America250 Reading Challenge. Through engaging in this challenge, our children will strengthen their reading skills, learn the importance of Texas and American history and prepare themselves to become the future leaders of the Lone Star State.”
Upon completion of the Reading Challenge, participants are eligible to receive a special certificate signed by Governor Abbott from their public or school librarian. Librarians are invited to register online at www.tsl.texas.gov/america250/certificate to gain access to an online portal where they can print the certificates.
“We look forward to Texans across the state reading, volunteering and visiting our beautiful Texas state parks as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz. “TSLAC is delighted to empower communities to celebrate and learn our nation’s history through their local libraries with a slate of programming throughout 2026, including this reading challenge, our online and lobby exhibit and our traveling exhibits already on display across the state.”
Participants can log their time:
–Reading books and/or listening to audiobooks. The Texas Center for the Book especially encourages 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. Participants can track their time using the “Mosey along the reading trail” Reading Log Map, or with their own reading log or other method. Reading logs do not need to be submitted to TSLAC. For other questions, check out the online FAQ. These and many more resources are available on the Reading Challenge website at www.tsl.texas.gov/america250/challenge.
TSLAC and the Texas Center for the Book are excited to see people of all ages reading, volunteering and spending time at state parks as part of the Texas America250 Reading Challenge. Time with books, in service to others or spent in nature are all great ways to commemorate this 250th anniversary celebration of the United States.
Learn more about TSLAC and the Texas Center for the Book’s Texas America250 programming on our website at www.tsl.texas.gov/america250. Explore statewide events and initiatives at www.texasamerica250.com.
