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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 

• Independence Day Adult Nonfiction
• Overdrive & Libby

Resources 

• Freegal Playlists
  Use your library card to access 24/7 music to add pizzaz to your 4th of July celebrations.
  • Land Of Liberty: A 4th of July Playlist
  • 4th of July Playlist
     
• 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.

Summertime in Colorado Springs is a great time to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of our area. It’s also a great time to explore our region’s history. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) cardholders can get a taste of the past at no cost by checking out a Pikes Peak Culture Pass and stepping back in time for a day at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.

At this living history museum, guests can experience six historic sites interpreting indigenous and settler life in the Pikes Peak region from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with the cultural and agricultural stories of this diverse outdoor museum. Visit a homestead cabin, an 1870s Victorian home, a 1900s Edwardian house, and a working 19th century blacksmith shop. You can also enjoy meeting the horses, chickens, sheep, pigs, and a cow housed in Rock Ledge Ranch’s Victorian farm and garden. 

“We are excited to partner with PPLD in serving broader communities who may know their local libraries but may not yet be acquainted with the Ranch,” says Daniel Christie, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site office manager. “We also enjoy engaging our own guests with books and encouraging them towards a love of literature and learning so this makes for a great partnership.”

Take tours with historical interpreters dressed in period-appropriate attire, watch demonstrations, and experience hands-on learning activities. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of the people who lived, worked, hunted, herded, and raised families on this land at Rock Ledge Ranch. 

Use your library card to check out no-cost passes to visit the ranch during their regular living history hours. Check out their special events throughout the summer and fall by visiting their website. 

Your Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) library card is your key to access a world of resources that saves you money. One such resource is Freegal Music, where you can enjoy unlimited ad-free music streaming at no cost. Whether you’re into K-pop, classical, heavy metal, country, or other genres, this eLibrary resource has something to meet your listening needs.

You can search for your favorite artists and genres or explore a buffet of music that features over 40,000 labels spanning 100 countries. When you visit the Freegal homepage, you might take time to explore by clicking the Discover Albums or Explore Playlists buttons or take a chance on new and popular music in New Arrivals and Now Trending. Scroll down to find an assortment of playlists including featured songs, PPLD playlists, recommended playlists, and more.

As if access to unlimited music streaming music wasn’t enough, you can also download up to five songs every week to keep in your own collection.

Access Freegal by downloading the Freegal app on your mobile device, or by visiting the Freegal website on a computer.