Celebrate freedom!
Juneteenth 2024
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The Library will be closed on Wednesday, 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 | Books for Young Adults | Adult Books for Juneteenth |
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!
There are lots of ways to celebrate Juneteenth with these special events around Delaware County and Central Ohio.
Saturday, June 15
- Juneteenth Celebration, Blue Limestone Park, Delaware, noon – 4 pm
- Juneteenth on the AVE, Bronzeville Columbus, noon – 6 pm
- Juneteenth Ohio Festival, Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Columbus, noon – 11 pm
Sunday, June 16
- Juneteenth Ohio Festival, Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St., Columbus, noon – 11 pm
- Juneteenth & Father’s Day Celebration, Grange Insurance Audubon Center Columbus, 2 – 5 pm
- Juneteenth – Jubilee Day Festival, Ohio Village Columbus, noon – 4 pm
Wednesday, June 19
- “Camp Delaware” A Special Juneteenth Screening, The Strand Theatre, 7 pm
Saturday, June 22
- 2024 Black Fashion Expo | Rodeo, The Kee Columbus, 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday, June 23
- WeRISE Juneteenth Celebration, The Point at Otterbein, noon – 5 pm
- 2024 Black Fashion Expo | Rodeo, The Kee Columbus, 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday, June 29
- Black History Tour, Oak Grove Cemetery Delaware, 10 am
Listen & Watch!
- Sesame Street: Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Song
- Juneteenth titles on Kanopy
- Juneteenth titles on Hoopla
Learn more!
Mission Statement
We open doors to imagination, knowledge, connection, and discovery.