As America approaches 250 years since its founding, Fondren Library kicks off America250@Fondren in January 2026 with a series of exhibits and activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The program is a cross library collaboration and will be updated monthly throughout the year of 2026 to advance civic education and civic engagement, in alignment with supporting Rice University Momentus Strategic Plan and new Fondren Library Strategic Plan . Guided by the Fondren Library theme “Reflect on the past, engage with the present, and envision the future,” these events explore history, civic engagement, and democracy through hands-on experiences, thought-provoking exhibits throughout the library building, lectures, music concerts, games, movies, story time, pop up events, interactive activities, and more. The program is primarily oriented toward Rice undergraduate and graduate students, but free and open to all Rice and the general public community.
Should you have any questions about this engagement program, ways to integrate these events and activities to enrich your teaching and programs, or want to learn about opportunities to get involved, please contact Anna Xiong, Head of Kelley Center for Government Information and Civic Engagement, at jax2@rice.edu or email ask@rice.libanswers.com.
2026 America250@Fondren Planning Committee: Anna Xiong, Abby Stovall, Norie Guthrie, Portia Hopkins, Jeanette Sewell, Jordan Traylor, and Sean Smith. Executive advisors: Sara Lowman, Lisa Spiro and Cindy Pierard. Campus partner: Access and Institutional Excellence / Avery Hartwell, Associate Director of Student Engagement.