Letters to America: Celebrating 250 Years of America
Letters to America is a citywide letter-writing project to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Chicagoans are invited to reflect on their lives, communities and experiences in Chicago and how those stories connect to a broader American story. Letters will become part of an archival collection at CPL.
Join us as we sit down and write Letters to America. Not sure what to write about? Think about your life in 2026 and tell a story. Topics could include: a place in Chicago that matters to you; something Chicago has taught you; a time you acted or saw others in your Chicago community act; an aspect of Chicago culture that has shaped you; or an experience in Chicago that reveals something about America.
Materials will be provided. Writers must be at least 18 for letters to be archived but kids and teens are welcome to participate.
How to Attend
Registration is encouraged but not required. Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. As a reminder, school email addresses may block external emails such as those from CPL.
Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Registration: ACTIVE
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Join us as we sit down and write Letters to America. Not sure what to write about? Think about your life in 2026 and tell a story. Topics could include: a place in Chicago that matters to you; something Chicago has taught you; a time you acted or saw others in your Chicago community act; an aspect of Chicago culture that has shaped you; or an experience in Chicago that reveals something about America.
Materials will be provided. Writers must be at least 18 for letters to be archived but kids and teens are welcome to participate.
How to Attend
Registration is encouraged but not required. Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. As a reminder, school email addresses may block external emails such as those from CPL.
Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Registration: ACTIVE
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