UW Annual Constitution Reading
2026: Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
Tuesday, October 6th
Allen Library, North Lobby: 3-5PM
UW Libraries hosts an annual community-led reading of the US Constitution as part of the Federal requirement to provide educational programming on the US Constitution aligned with the National Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
The event is intended as an opportunity to critically examine the historical and contemporary significance of this document and its importance within our society. Each year focusses on different themes related to the Constitution, its amendments and how these themes show up and are reflected in our everyday lives.
In addition to guest speakers, all students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to participate by reading one short section of the Constitution – approximately 1 minute of reading time each. Readers can request a specific section, or opt to have one assigned.
This is a public event, open to all! Instructors are encouraged to bring their classes, and staff are welcome to attend and participate with friends, family, & coworkers!
Event Contact
Questions? Contact the organizer
2026 Program
Guest speakers and additional details on the 2026 program will be posted soon.
Constitution Day at the University of Washington
As mandated by Congress, “Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.” – Section 111 of Division J of Pub L. 108-447.
Because the University is not in session on September 17th, the UW Libraries holds a Constitution event each year in October. Reading the Constitution each year allows us to critically examine the historical and contemporary significance this document holds within our society.
See Federal requirement for Constitution Day and more curricular resources from the Law Library of Congress.
Past Events
2025 Constitution Reading
Additional Resources
- Ackerman, Bruce. The Living Constitution.
- Franks, Mary Anne. The Cult of the Constitution.
- Marietta, Morgan. The Right to Vote is Not in the Constitution.
- Nieman, Donald G. Promises to Keep: African Americans and the Constitutional Order, 1776 to the Present.
- Pommersheim, Frank. Broken Landscape: Indians, Indian Tribes, and the Constitution.