September 11, 2026 marks the somber 25th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in history - killing 2,977 innocent victims. Let us always remember the innocent lives lost in this attack on freedom, and honor those New York City Police and Fire Department heroes who courageously ran into danger, many to never return to their families. Photo Courtesy of Adobe

Don't forget to submit your reading logs by September 4th! 📖@SLOTUS

Happy Fourth of July and happy 250th anniversary! On July 4, 1776, a bold idea became the foundation of a nation. The Declaration of Independence announced to the world that the thirteen American colonies were no longer under British rule. Its powerful words proclaimed that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, the document marked the birth of the United States and continues to inspire generations who believe in the promise of freedom and self-government. #IMLS250

Meeting in Philadelphia in May 1775, the Second Continental Congress managed the colonial war effort during the American Revolution and took the bold step of declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776. It was here that leaders debated the future of the colonies, appointed George Washington to command the Continental Army, and approved the Declaration of Independence. In the face of uncertainty, the Congress helped transform a group of colonies into a united nation. #IMLS250

The Haines Borough Public Library serves a community that spans more than 2,600 square miles in a city that is a hiking destination in the summer. Its commitment to making every visitor feel seen and valued has made the library a second home for many. #IMLSmedals 📷: Holly Davis

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s love of books helped rebuild America’s national library. After British forces burned Washington, D.C. and destroyed the young congressional library during the War of 1812, Jefferson offered Congress his personal collection of thousands of books. His vast library became the foundation for what is now the @Library_of_Congress, turning a lifelong passion for knowledge into a national institution. Jefferson believed that an informed people were essential to a strong republic. #IMLS250

Today, we are celebrating our final 2025 #IMLSmedals winner, the Haines Borough Public Library! In Haines, AK, there is no making a quick trip to the next town: the library serves as a convention center, community living room & for some the closest thing they have to family. 📷: Erik Stevens & John Hagen