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Yavapai library district outlines yearlong USA 250 program, plans time capsule and traveling exhibits
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Summary
The Yavapai County Library District presented a countywide USA 250 program funded in part by a $25,000 LSTA grant, including a free library‑card design rollout, a 250‑book rotating collection and a 50‑year time capsule planned for the courthouse square.
The Yavapai County Library District on Feb. 18 outlined a yearlong program to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, including free commemorative library cards, a curated 250‑book collection, an interactive digital kiosk and a plan to bury a county time capsule at the Prescott courthouse square.
Corey Christiansen, presenting for the district, said the effort is supported by a Library Services and Technology Act grant of approximately $25,000 and is designed to engage residents across the county. “We’re really hoping to strengthen residents’ connection to American heritage through engaging events, exhibits and activities,” Christiansen said.
The district held a countywide library‑card design contest in September 2025 with winners in multiple categories; the cards are available free at district branches through 2026. Christiansen described a rotating physical collection of roughly 250 books tied to the celebration, split into 15 bundles that will circulate among branches, and an interactive kiosk that will display maps, notable inventions and links to authors and titles.
A large time capsule (48 x 40 x 16 inches) is planned to be sealed for 50 years and — pending board input — placed in the courthouse square with a small medallion to mark the spot. The district asked the Board for direction on the proposed burial location and said they will coordinate with the Prescott Downtown Partnership and facilities to minimize ground disturbance.
Programs scheduled across the year include hands‑on events for children (gold panning, silhouette portraits), a community quilting project led by the Sassy Sewing Sisters of Seligman, sewing classes, trivia nights and an essay contest that the district now plans to compile into a published county book. The district said local nonprofits and historic organizations are being invited to contribute chapters and materials.
Why it matters: the district’s plan pairs literacy and civic programming with a visible, countywide presence during a high‑tourism summer period; several supervisors praised the effort during the meeting and volunteered support.
The library district said the kiosk will appear on Fair Street June 19–July 7 and at Cottonwood Feb. 17–Mar. 4, with additional displays rotated to other branches. The district encouraged residents to contribute artifacts to the time capsule and said the capsule will be opened in 50 years.
