“1776” is topic of community book group on February 17

By Sally Jack
Contributing Writer
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the founding of the United States of America.
As a kickoff to the yearlong 2026 Celebration, Monticello’s America 250 Committee encourages all teens and adults in San Juan County to read David McCullough’s book 1776 which highlights the values that powered the fight for independence in America and which still inspire us today.
A community-wide discussion on 1776 will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Monticello Library.
Lynda Boyle, Chairman of America 250 for Monticello will lead the group discussion. Everyone who reads the book and/or would enjoy talking about it is invited. Light refreshments will be served.
“After tracing the long struggle for America’s independence and the values that inspired that effort, as outlined in 1776, let’s get talking to one another about how those values help us govern ourselves today,” notes UT Together: Reading 1776.
UT Together: Reading 1776 is a part of The Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative at UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies to encourage all Utahns to learn about the American fight for freedom, driven by the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Author David McCullough is a two time recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Truman and John Adams. His book 1776 is a #1 national bestseller.
There are 20 copies of the book that are available to check out from Interlibrary Loan at the Monticello Library from January to the middle of February. After February 18, the Monticello Library will still have 3 local copies of 1776 and one set of audio cd’s available for checkout.
Don’t let the size of the book scare you away from reading it! The page count includes an extensive 92 page bibliography (and index) and another 24 pages of quality photos and maps. It’s a good read.
The Monticello Library also has a list of additional books to read about America, its fight for independence, and its founding fathers, as well as some great children’s books on the subject.
Watch for more America 250 activities in Monticello throughout the year.