Celebrate freedom!
Juneteenth 2023
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The Library will be closed on Monday, June 19 to observe and celebrate Freedom Day.
What is Juneteenth?
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the freedom of the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had originally issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, is marked by celebrations, family gatherings, picnics, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. As Juneteenth is an occasion not just for celebration, but also for reflection and education, we recognize and honor the profound contributions of Black people to American history and culture. We hope you will join us in celebrating Juneteenth and celebrating Black history and excellence!
Read!
| Juneteenth Books for Early Readers
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Books for Young Adults
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Adult Books for Juneteenth
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Also check out the Juneteenth Reading List from the State Library of Ohio!
Make!
Make your own Freedom Quilt! When people escaped their enslavers and headed north, it was hard to know where to look for help. According to legend, one could find a safe house by looking for a quilt hanging from a clothesline or windowsill. Each design, or “block,” on a quilt had a secret meaning that would help a person know how to proceed or what dangers to expect on the dangerous path to freedom. Though we can’t be sure if quilt codes are completely fact or folklore, quilting continues to be an important part of African-American tradition and art. Start your own kid-friendly quilt project by downloading these coloring sheets.
Learn more about Quilt Codes!
Celebrate!
Visit Liberty Branch Library this month and check out our trivia wall containing facts about Juneteenth. Check out some interesting titles from our Juneteenth book display and learn a few facts along the way.
You can also celebrate at these special Juneteenth events around Delaware County and Central Ohio!
Saturday, June 10
- Major Taylor Cycling Club 2nd Annual Juneteenth Ride, Fairwood Park, 1392 Fairwood Avenue, Columbus, 7 am – 3 pm
Saturday, June 17
- Juneteenth Celebration at Blue Limestone Park, 6 King Avenue, Delaware, 10 am – 2 pm
- 2023 Black Fashion Expo, The Kee, 225 Neilston St., Columbus, 11 am – 7 pm
- Juneteenth Ohio Festival, Genoa Park, 303 West Broad Street, Columbus, noon – 11 pm
- Juneteenth on the Ave, MPACC Box Park, 925 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, noon – 6 pm
- Juneteenth & Summer Celebration, Grange Insurance Audubon Center, 505 West Whittier St., Columbus, 3 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 18
- 2023 Black Fashion Expo, The Kee, 225 Neilston St., Columbus, 11 am – 7 pm
- Juneteenth Jubilee Day Festival, Ohio Village, 800 East 17th Ave., Columbus, noon – 4 pm
- Juneteenth Ohio Festival, Genoa Park, 303 West Broad Street, Columbus, noon – 11 pm
Saturday, June 24
- WeRISE Celebrates Juneteenth, Alum Creek Park North, 221 West Main St., Westerville, noon – 4 pm
Listen & Watch!
- Sesame Street: Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Song
- Juneteenth titles on Kanopy
- Juneteenth titles on Hoopla
Learn more!
Mission Statement
The Delaware County District Library serves as the public information provider for our community, using traditional and innovative technology to encourage curiosity, free inquiry, and lifelong learning in a friendly environment.