The Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library will host 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 is called Liberating Minds: African American Literature and Libraries. Inspired by the literary works of Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes and other authors and artists, we are bringing together the love of music and books each speaking and telling a story of amazing culture.
This year we are experiencing a wonderful selection of local authors (author fair is from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.), the Musical sounds of Nu Destiny Christian Church Choir, exciting drop-in kids’ activities and more!
- Our featured speaker is librarian Mychal Threets who says “Library joy and book joy are what I’m all about. We all belong in our libraries!” At 2 p.m. Mychal will join us in a conversation moderated by Ashley C. Ford.
Tickets to the conversation are FREE but extremely limited and will be available to the public beginning Friday, May 30 at 5 p.m., while supplies last.
Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for ticketholders. Ticketholders need to arrive by 1:50 p.m. We will have a waiting line for un-ticketed guests and will release empty seats at 1:50 p.m.
Sign up for a reminder to secure your free ticket.
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.
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.
The Juneteenth Table: Putting a 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. Add something new to your Juneteenth table with these delicious offerings below. Happy Cooking!
Celebrating Juneteenth
Juneteenth celebrates the day of 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.