The Library will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the official end of slavery in the United States . To learn more about this important holiday, please visit this web page.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. This day came to be known as Juneteenth — a time to celebrate, gather as a family, reflect on the past and look to the future.
In 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday, opening it to symbolic and global interpretation and providing a better understanding of the evolution of our nation and its people. Juneteenth celebrations then, like now, recognize the ongoing fight for human rights and equality and are commemorated through family cookouts, faith services, musical performances and storytelling. Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American resilience and achievement, while preserving history and community traditions.
Finally, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s web site for a reading list spanning all ages.
