Celebrate freedom!
Closed on Juneteenth
All DCDL branches will be closed on June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Upcoming community events:
- Juneteenth – Celebrating Freedom in Delaware, OH (Hosted by Delaware African American Heritage Council, Inc.)
Friday, June 19, 2 PM to 5 PM, The Barn at Stratford
2 PM Market Place Opens | 3-5 PM Programing
Come and learn about Juneteenth, as we celebrate freedom and liberty for all during this special, family-friendly event. - Late Night Delaware: Summer SOULstice (FREE event hosted by downtown Delaware Merchants)
Friday, June 19, 5 PM until at least 9 PM, Downtown Delaware, Ohio
A special Juneteenth edition of Shop, Sip & Socialize as Late Night Delaware celebrates the powerful influence of Black artists, soul music, culture, and community in Downtown Delaware.
Special Notes
- While library branches are closed, you can still access our always open, always available, Digital Collections.
- For a full list of planned schedule changes, please visit our Holiday closures and special hours page.
What is Juneteenth? (Click for resource)
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 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!
Listen & Watch!
- Sesame Street: Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Song
- Juneteenth titles on Kanopy
- Afrofuturism titles on Hoopla
Learn more!
Mission Statement
We open doors to imagination, knowledge, connection, and discovery.