Olton Area Library Hosts Texas America250 Traveling Exhibit

Library celebrates Texas' history and independence with student activities and a pop-up display.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Olton Area Library in Texas hosted a special Texas America250 traveling exhibit on February 25, 2026, inviting local fourth-grade students to learn more about the state's history through group activities and a pop-up display. Librarians Jocelyn Mandrell and Irma Avendaño organized the event, which included a video about Texas history, a patriotic slime-making activity, and a walkthrough of the exhibit showcasing historically significant moments and documents.

Why it matters

The Texas America250 exhibit is part of a statewide program launched by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and Texas' independence. By hosting the traveling exhibit, the Olton Area Library is helping to foster a deeper appreciation for Texas history and culture among local students and the broader community.

The details

The event at the Olton Area Library was timed to coincide with Texas Independence Day. In addition to the Texas America250 exhibit, the library also has a museum and hosts various clubs, including a knitting group. Librarians Mandrell and Avendaño are committed to making the library an inclusive space for the entire community, welcoming new ideas and activities.

  • The Texas America250 exhibit was hosted at the Olton Area Library on February 25, 2026.
  • The event took place on Texas Independence Day.

The players

Jocelyn Mandrell

A librarian at the Olton Area Library who organized the Texas America250 exhibit and activities.

Irma Avendaño

A librarian at the Olton Area Library who co-organized the Texas America250 exhibit and activities.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who established the Texas America250 Commission to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and Texas' independence.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The organization that launched the statewide program to bring the Texas America250 traveling exhibit to local libraries across the state.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jocelyn Mandrell, Librarian (lambcountyleadernews.com)

“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.”

— Jocelyn Mandrell, Librarian (lambcountyleadernews.com)

“Libraries need to be inclusive, and invite everybody here. We just want everybody to feel welcomed and to have a place to learn, gather and celebrate.”

— Jocelyn Mandrell, Librarian (lambcountyleadernews.com)

What’s next

The Olton Area Library plans to continue hosting various programs and activities to engage the local community and foster a love of learning and Texas history.

The takeaway

The Olton Area Library's hosting of the Texas America250 traveling exhibit demonstrates the important role that local libraries can play in celebrating state and national history, and in creating inclusive spaces for community members of all ages to learn, gather, and celebrate.