- Trial Court Law Libraries
Each year on Constitution Day, we take time to reflect on the ideas and debates that shaped our nation’s founding document. At the Trial Court Law Libraries, we not only celebrate the Constitution itself all week long, but also the books and scholarly works that help us better understand its history, meaning, and ongoing influence. Below are a few books that you can find throughout our fifteen libraries across the Commonwealth as well as our librarians’ own insight to help you choose your next literature on such an important document.
America’s Constitution: A Biography
By Akhil Reed Amar.
Link to book in our library catalog.
In his first major work on the Constitution, Akhil Reed Amar traces the written story of the United States Constitution as if it was a living biography from its “birth” in 1787 to its legacy in shaping modern America. Akhil Reed Amar meticulously guides readers through each section of the Constitution almost line by line, exploring their origins, purposes, and evolving interpretation over time.
Why we recommend it
Akhil Reed Amar is a renowned constitutional scholar and Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. He is very passionate about the Constitution but is also known to be down to earth and understands that the Constitution can have an impact on the everyday lives of normal Americans. This book reads almost like a biography of a living character. It brings clarity to the Constitution’s text that anyone can understand. The book is both deeply researched and highly readable, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to better understand how our founding document works and why it still matters.
Librarian insight
"Akhil Reed Amar’s 2005 book, American’s Constitution: A Biography is a comprehensive account of our founding document, written for all of us. The Words that Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840 is the first volume of a trilogy. The second volume, Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution: 1840-1920 is set for publication Sept. 16, 2025. I am an avid listener of Professor Amar’s weekly podcasts, Amarica’s Constitution."
Barbara Schneider, Retired Head Librarian, Berkshire Law Library.
Madison’s Hand: Revising the Constitutional Convention
By Mary Sarah Bilder.
Link to book in our library catalog.
Mary Sarah Bilder, Professor of Law at Boston College, takes a different approach when looking at the Constitution and the Constitutional Convention by diving into James Madison’s personal notes. Bilder shows how Madison, one of the most influential founding fathers, revised his notes over time, revealing his ability to manage his strongly held beliefs and hopes with his ability to adapt his views and perspectives through debate, and the fast changing political landscape of early America.
Why we recommend it
This book encourages readers to think critically about how history is recorded and remembered. By examining Madison’s revisions, Bilder reminds us that even the best-known sources reflect choices, interpretations, and hindsight. Her work makes the story of the Constitution feel more human, showing us that its history was written through the eyes of mortal humans and not godly kings.
Librarian insight
"Madison’s Hand reminds us that even foundational documents reflect interpretation and revision. Just as Madison shaped his notes, modern readers and courts continually reinterpret the Constitution, cases, and laws. For librarians, it’s a powerful reminder of why access to many diverse sources matters, so that researchers can see history and law in their full context."
Julian Santos, Head Librarian, Lowell Law Library.
The Words That Made Us: America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840
By Akhil Reed Amar.
Link to book in our library catalog.
In this first part of a trilogy Akhil Reed Amar, explores how the founding generation debated, drafted, and defended the United States Constitution. Rather than focusing only on the Philadelphia Convention, he highlights the newspapers, pamphlets, and spirited public conversations that gave meaning to the Constitution’s text. His work highlights the competing ideas, regional perspectives, and influential figures who together forged the nation’s framework of government.
Why we recommend it
This book is engaging, accessible, and a reminder that our Constitution was never just written but instead argued over, defended, and debated extensively by people of all backgrounds from different professions and from different states. Amar shows how these diverse words and ideas helped build the framework of our government, and how debate and dialogue remain essential to keeping our democracy strong.
Librarian insight
"It was really interesting to learn how influential the Massachusetts Constitution was in the creation of the United States Constitution. Everyone knows that Massachusetts played a huge role in the beginning of our country, but I didn't know that so much of the structure of our government came out of the Commonwealth."
Danielle Fay, Head Librarian, Essex Law Library.
Explore More at the Law Libraries
These titles, which can be found in our online library catalog, offer just a glimpse into the rich scholarly works surrounding the U.S. Constitution. Visit in person or call us at one of our 15 law library locations throughout Massachusetts, or contact us online through email or chat. We look forward to continuing conversations this Constitution Week and beyond.
Written by Mikolaj Galazka, Berkshire Law Library.