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Juneteenth is Sunday, June 19, 2022

Celebrate Freedom!

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. We’re marking this federal holiday with crafts and activities in all of our branches this month. Come learn more with us!

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

Children's Books

Books for Young Adults

Young Adult Books

Adult Books for Juneteenth

Juneteenth books for adults

 

Participate!

Throughout June, DCDL will be honoring Juneteenth with ongoing projects and activities.

Help us make our 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. Join us at a DCDL location to color your own quilt square to add to our growing Freedom Quilts, or download coloring sheets now!

Learn more about Quilt Codes!

While you’re visiting the Library, please take a moment to help us build our Freedom Wall. Juneteenth is all about celebrating freedom, and we need your help as we create a piece of artwork showing the things we value about our freedom. All ages can participate! Here’s how it works: Grab a blank star at the exhibit at Orange Branch and Delaware Main Libraries and write your answer to the following question: WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU? Hang your star on the wall wherever you like, and please take a moment to see what others have to say, too!

And be sure to check out these great events this month:

Wednesday, June 15, 4 – 5pm

Bryan Moss

Register now!

Friday, June 24, 2 – 3pm

Sogbety Diamonde

Learn more!

 

Celebrate!

Celebrate freedom at these special Juneteenth events around Delaware County and Central Ohio!

Saturday, June 11

 

Saturday, June 18

 

Sunday, June 19

 

Watch!

 

Learn more!

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.