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The King County Library System (KCLS) invites patrons to celebrate Juneteenth with reading recommendations and special events this June.
Held on June 19, Juneteenth is a nationally recognized holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, and the resilience and joy of the African American community. It commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the end of slavery. The announcement came two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863.
Patrons may learn more about African American heritage and freedom through reading lists curated by KCLS staff. Residents are also invited to attend the following Juneteenth events.
Wednesday, June 21
1-2:30 p.m.
Online event
Celebrate Juneteenth with music, movement and reflection. Facilitated by Merri Ann Osborne and The Mahogany Project.
“Awareness and appreciation for Juneteenth is growing as people of all backgrounds recognize the wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate this important holiday,” stated KCLS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Dominica Myers. “We hope patrons enjoy our Juneteenth programming.”
About the King County Library System
Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Supporting the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and serves nearly 1.6 million people. In 2022, residents checked out 7.9 million digital eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, making KCLS the second-highest digital circulating library system in the U.S. In 2011, KCLS was named Library of the Year by Gale/Library Journal.