Brooklyn Public Library releases list of 250 influential books for America’s 250th anniversary
Photos courtesy of Gregg Richards
Ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary this summer, the Brooklyn Public Library released this week a list of 250 notable books on American history. “250 for 250” features titles published between 1776 and 2025 and reflects a wide range of perspectives on American history and storytelling, beginning with Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.” More than 600 books were considered by a committee of nearly two dozen librarians.
“These are the books that we believe have influenced this country and contributed to where we are today,” Jess Harwick, the librarian who coordinated the selection committee, said.
“As librarians, we know that it’s not just about the books themselves, but rather what they represent—a wide variety of American perspectives and voices sharing the stories of our streets, neighborhoods, and nation as a whole.”
Additionally, a small group of notable Americans was asked to select a book from the list and write a short essay on its significance to them and the nation.
Participants include Ethan Hawke, who reflected on “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton; Constance Wu, who wrote about “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson; Julian Shapiro-Barnum, who discussed “American Born Chinese”; Ilana Glazer, who wrote about “The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones; and Britt Lower, who reflected on “Just Kids” by Patti Smith, among others.
In a statement, Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of BPL, said the list highlights the “full range” of the “human experience.”
“Books remain one of our most powerful tools for defending democracy. They help us understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us,” Johnson said. “Together, the books on this list tell a story of our nation, our commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice for all, and that ongoing search for common ground.”
“As we continue to pursue a perfect union, this extraordinary list considers the full range of the American—and human—experience,” she added.
The list adds renewed excitement to Independence Day in NYC, which already has a full slate of events planned for the nation’s semi-quincentennial. From July 3 to July 8, “Sail4th 250” will bring six days of festivities across the five boroughs, including the arrival of the largest fleet of tall ships ever to sail into New York Harbor.
In addition, the New York Public Library will display its rare copy of the Declaration of Independence from July 1 to July 3, one of the few surviving “fair copies” handwritten by Thomas Jefferson. The document will be shown as part of the library’s exhibition “Revolution: 1776 and Beyond,” which will explore New York’s role in the American Revolution and its influence on global revolutions.
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