What is Public Domain Day?

Every January 1, a new wave of creative works enters the U.S. public domain. This means they are free for anyone to use, remix, and share. In 2026, this includes books published in 1930 and works by authors who died in 1955.

Interactive Table and Button-Making Fun

To celebrate, Utah State University Libraries invites you to stop by our Public Domain Day table on January 13th in the Pop Up Gallery located in the Merrill-Cazier's front lobby. Discover a fun selection of iconic works such as Pluto (Mickey Mouse), Betty Boop, the first four Nancy Drew books, and the hard-boiled detective classic The Maltese Falcon, all newly part of the public domain.