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The United States declared independence from England and its monarch on July 4, 1776. We commemorate this occasion with annual fireworks displays and other festivities. The Library is closed in recognition of this federal holiday, but we offer several ways to help you celebrate our nation’s Independence. On this page, explore information and fun resources, including music playlists, booklists, and web resources.
Booklists
Resources
- Freegal Playlists
Use your library card to access 24/7 music to add pizzaz to your 4th of July celebrations. - Kanopy
Use your library card on Kanopy to access documentaries and historic dramatizations that delve into the founding of our nation, the Revolutionary War, the writing of the Constitution, and other key moments in U.S. history- American Military History
- American Revolution: The Impossible War
- America’s Musical Heritage: Episode 2, “American Revolutionary and Wartime Music”
- Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
- The History of the United States: Episode 14, “Creating the Constitution”
- Liberty in the Air
- The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen
- Gale eBooks: American Revolution Reference Library
In this eBook you will find a timeline of events during the American Revolution, as well as information about historic figures and the roles they played in key revolutionary events. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location)
- Gale in Context: U.S. History
Read about the 4th of July, from historic battles and the signing of the Declaration of Independence to celebrations commemorating Independence Day. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location)
Websites
Explore July 4 fireworks, festivities, and other events happening in the Pikes Peak region on the Visit Colorado Springs website.
- Library of Congress: Today in History – July 4th
Explore Independence Day history and enjoy historic photos and documents in this article from the Library of Congress. - Smithsonian Institute: Independence Day
Take an in-depth look at artifacts from the past as you celebrate the birthday of the United States with this historic gallery from the Smithsonian Institute. - History Channel: Fourth of July
Watch Videos from the History Channel packed full of 4th of July facts you might not have known, including the first use of fireworks in 4th of July celebrations. - PBS: A Capitol Fourth
From bonfires and illuminations to picnics and public readings of the Declaration of Independence, learn about historic 4th of July celebrations in this PBS article. - Old Farmer's Almanac: Fourth of July 2024
Celebrate the 4th of July with history, traditions, and recipes in the Old Farmer’s Almanac. You can also look ahead to see what day of the week our next 4th of July falls on.