Government Publications: Annual UW Constitution Reading

An annual program to learn about and reflect on the U.S. Constitution, sponsored by the University of Washington Libraries.

Constitution Day at the University of Washington

As mandated by Congress, “[E]ach 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.

Information for Readers

Thank you for your interest in being part of the 19th annual UW Constitution Read-Aloud. We appreciate your willingness to read! The full reading takes about 75 minutes and you can come and go as you need. More detailed information available via the registration form.

Past UW Constitution Readings

2024 Annual UW Constitution Reading

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024
Suzzallo Reading Room, 12-2 pm

As part of the Federal requirement to provide educational programming on the US Constitution aligned with the national Constitution Day and Citizenship Day*, the UW Libraries holds an annual Constitution read aloud event. We welcome students, faculty, staff and community members to join us in reading the full text of the Constitution, including some very special guest speakers!

This community-led reading allows us to critically examine the historical and contemporary significance this document holds within our society.

*Because UW is not in session during this day, the Libraries hosts this celebration in October, when students and faculty are back on campus.