The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library hosted the 8th Annual Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025 offering a glimpse into African American Art, literature, and storytelling.
This year’s presentation, called Liberating Minds: African American Literature and Libraries, was inspired by the literary works of Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes and other authors and artists. The day included a wonderful selection of local authors, the Musical sounds of Nu Destiny Christian Church Choir, exciting drop-in kids’ activities, and more!
Our featured speaker was librarian Mychal Threets who says “Library joy and book joy are what I’m all about. We all belong in our libraries!” Mychal joined us in a conversation moderated by Ashley C. Ford.
Learn More About Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a national holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Texans two years after the signing of the emancipation proclamation in 1863. Learn more about Juneteenth.
Browse one of our book lists:
- Mychal Threets Recommends
Mychal Threets is known around the library world for being a children's librarian who is all about "library joy". Threets has recommended a number of books for kids on social media and has a bookclub on Fable. Here are a few titles from Mychal's TikTok and other outlets for children.
- The Juneteenth Table - Putting the Twist on Tradition
Celebrate Juneteenth with culinary creations, both traditional and modern! Each title contains recipes that call back to African heritage, African American history, and long-held traditions of eating red foods for health, happiness, and celebration.
- Celebrating Juneteenth for Kids
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were finally told they were free. Readers of all ages can explore these children's materials to learn more about Juneteenth, why it is important to celebrate it as a National holiday, and different ways to celebrate.
The CBLC Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration is sponsored by the Library's African American History Committee in support of the Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library.
