Texas Independence Day at the Olton Area Library on Feb. 25, 2026.
Hosting a local installment of the Texas America250 exhibit, librarians Jocelyn Mandrell and Irma Avendaño invited students to learn more about Texas’ history and participate in group activities.
“At this time of year, with the Olympics ending, and then turning onto America’s 250 birthday, I just want (the students) to love their country and to love their state,” Mandrell said.
In a joint resolution of the 87th Texas Legislature, SCR23, Governor Greg Abbott established the Texas America250 Commission to celebrate the semiquincenetnial of the United States and Texas’ independence.
Additionally, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission launched statewide programs to bring traveling exhibits to local libraries; all of which showcase historically significant moments and documents in Texas history.
As students entered the Olton Area Library, they watched a video about Texas history before moving on to create patriotic slime – a recipe that derived from a book available in the library.
Following this activity, students walked through the pop-up exhibit to read more about Texas history.
Aside from the traveling exhibit, Mandrell said hosting all kinds of programs for the children is important to foster lifelong deep apprethe ciation for visiting the library.
“If you start them young, then as they grow up and have their own families, they’ll share loving and going to the library with their kids, too,” Mandrell said. “Olton is a wonderful community, and it’s super important to have a place for them to come and gather.”
Olton Area Library additionally is home to a museum, available for anyone interested in visiting. The library also hosts various clubs, including a knitting one, and is open to expanding its activities.
“Libraries need to be inclusive, and invite everybody here,” Mandrell said. “We just want everybody to feel welcomed and to have a place to learn, gather and celebrate.”
For more information about the traveling exhibit, clubs, museum hours, etc., visit the Olton Area Library website or contact via phone at (806) 285-7772.
“We serve the entire community,” Mandrell said. “If there’s something that we’re missing, let us know. If there’s something that you need to do, or a place to meet, let us know– we’re open to new ideas.”