The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library will host the 9th Annual Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13, 2026, a powerful gathering that honors history, creativity, and the enduring spirit of freedom.
Our annual Book Fest offers a vibrant glimpse into the African American experience through arts, literature, and storytelling. 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.
We are honored to welcome keynote speaker Tomi Adeyemi, acclaimed author of Children of Blood and Bone, whose work amplifies Black identity, culture, and imagination on a global stage.
Juneteenth, now recognized as a national holiday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Texans—announced two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This day stands as a reminder of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing journey toward justice. Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration as we uplift stories that matter and continue the legacy of freedom through the power of words.
Would you like to be a featured author?
Featured authors will receive table space to network with other authors, meet the public, and promote books. Set up will occur between 9:30 - 10 a.m. on the morning of June 13. You do NOT have to fill out more than one application if you are interested in showcasing more than one book. Should you choose to do a short individual presentation of your work in the Center for Black Literature & Culture with a short Q&A and a short bio, an image of your book's cover will be required. *Note that not everyone will be able to present at this year's Author Fast Forward.
Tables and seating are limited. Submissions for consideration will be accepted through May 25, 2026. The application will take approximately 7-10 minutes to complete. If you have questions or futher concerns, please email Bryanna Barnes.
Highlights from the 2025 Event
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.
