Children of Blood and Bone author Tomi Adeyemi to headline The Center for Black Literature & Culture’s Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Public Library’s Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) will host bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi as keynote speaker for its 9th Annual Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration, a free community event taking place Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. This year’s theme, “Empowered to Speak: Freedom Dreams,” invites attendees to explore the voices, visions and narratives that shape our past, present and future.

Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Adeyemi is Hugo and Nebula Award-Winning writer, mystic, and model. Her instant #1 New York Times-bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series, which includes “Children of Blood and Bone,” “Children of Virtue and Vengeance,” and “Children of Anguish and Anarchy,” has sold more than 3 million copies around the world, with a film adaptation set for release in January 2027.

Tickets to the keynote speech with Tomi Adeyemi will be available to the public on Eventbrite beginning May 30, while supplies last. Free tickets are required to attend the keynote. Keynote seating will start at 1 p.m. and the keynote will begin at 2 p.m.

“At the Center for Black Literature & Culture, we honor the literary giants who shaped African American storytelling while nurturing the next generation,” said CBLC Manager Hallie Raikes. “That’s why we’re excited to welcome Tomi Adeyemi, whose imaginative fantasy worlds resonate deeply with teen audiences and adult readers alike through themes of identity and empowerment.”

In addition to the keynote, attendees can enjoy a poetry performance from 2026 Artist at Work Fellow Mariah Ivey, participate in Juneteenth themed children's activities and browse a local author fair showcasing a wide range of genres. The event provides free space for local authors to share their work with the Indianapolis community. Tickets are not required to attend the author fair or the activities taking place during the Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration.

Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, has long been celebrated to commemorate the day federal troops arrived in Galveston in 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, to take control of the state and ensure that more than 250,000 enslaved people were freed by executive decree.

“It’s an honor to celebrate Juneteenth with our community and create an event where people can come together to reflect on history and celebrate the richness of Black culture and storytelling,” said Gregory A. Hill, Sr., MSL, MSM, CEO, “While you’re here, we hope you’ll take a moment to step inside the Center for Black Literature & Culture, where you can browse and discover new voices.”

The CBLC Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration is sponsored by The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library in support of The African American History Committee. The program is made possible by The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund through a grant to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.

About The Indianapolis Public Library

For more than 150 years, The Indianapolis Public Library has continuously adapted and expanded to serve the evolving needs of our city and its residents. The Indianapolis Public Library strives to be indispensable to our growing number of visitors and stands as a vital public resource to our community. The Indianapolis Public Library has more than 280,000 cardholders and a total annual circulation of 8,737,602 at our 25 branch locations and bookmobiles. More information at indypl.org.