As we reflect on 250 years as a nation, the Library invites you to put your American story to paper. Write a letter to America, submit it to us, and it will become part of the collected history of Park Ridge.
To participate, pick up a piece of Letters to American stationery at the Reader Services or Reference desks on the second floor, or write a letter at home on your own paper. Submit your completed letter at either the Reader Services or Reference to be included in the collection.
Please feel free to use any or all of these prompts to inspire your writing:
- Write about what life is like in Park Ridge today. What would you like future Americans to know about life in 2026?
- What are your predictions for the future? What do you expect the next 50 years to look like?
- How has living in Park Ridge shaped your American experience? Write about a place that means something to you or a lesson you learned through family, school, work, or daily life in Park Ridge.
When does this program start and end?
We are accepting letters from June 1 – August 31, 2026.
Who can participate?
All ages may participate.
How and where do I submit my letter?
Please bring your letter on paper to the Reader Services or Reference desks before August 31.
Guidelines
These letters will not be displayed at the Library, but they may be accessed by the public upon request starting in 2027.
With this in mind, we ask that you respect the following guidelines:
1. Respect and Courtesy
All letters should be written in a respectful and civil tone. Submissions may not include:
- Harassment, threats, or intimidation
- Hate speech or discriminatory language based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic
- Personal attacks or inflammatory remarks
2. Appropriate Content
Letters should be suitable for a general audience. Submissions must not contain:
- Obscene, sexually explicit, or graphic language
- Violent content or encouragement of harm
- Profanity intended to insult or demean others
3. Focus on Ideas, Not Individuals
Participants are encouraged to express opinions and ideas thoughtfully. Criticism should address issues or viewpoints rather than targeting specific individuals with insults or accusations.
4. Privacy and Safety
To protect everyone’s privacy and safety:
- Do not include personal contact information (such as phone numbers, emails, or home addresses)
- Do not share private or identifying information about yourself or others without permission
5. Program Purpose
Submissions that are clearly unrelated to the subject matter may not be accepted. The Library reserves the right to decline submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines.