Celebrate Juneteenth at Cleveland Public Library
Juneteenth (June 19) also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day – is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Juneteenth is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time taken to appreciate the African American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities, and nationalities – as nothing is more comforting than the hand of a friend.
ADULT PROGRAMS & EVENTS
LAST FUGITIVE SLAVE – OHIO
Learn about the experiences of African Americans under the institution of slavery in this re-enactment of the true story of Lucy Bagby, a runaway slave in Cleveland.
Friday, June 17 | 2:00 p.m.
Glenville Branch
Knowing Your Sails: The African Origins of Sickle Cell Disease
Author and licensed social worker Judy Jackson Winston and her daughter present a learning session and a discussion about the many variations of this disease and its generational impacts upon families of African descent.
Saturday, June 18 | 11:30 a.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM FEST
We encourage all families to visit the Cleveland Public Library booth at Freedom Fest, a city-wide, family-friendly commemoration of Juneteenth.
Saturday, June 18 | 12:00 p.m.
Downtown Cleveland, Mall C
EVENTS FOR FAMILIES
Juneteenth Jamboree
Learn about the history and importance of Juneteenth.
Thursdays
June 9 & 16 | 3:00 p.m.
Collinwood Branch
Juneteenth Quilt
Make a paper quilt and learn about the history of Juneteenth.
Wednesday
June 15 | 4:00 p.m.
Hough Branch
Juneteenth Tie-Dye
Create tie-dye shirts for kids and teens in American and pan African colors
Thursday
June 16 | 1:00 p.m.
Union Branch
Juneteenth Jewelry
Pick up a free kids’ craft kit to take home (while supplies last.)
Tuesday -Saturday
June 15 – 18 | 2:00 p.m.
Addison Branch
TAKE A DEEPER LOOK
Tour of Celebrate Those Who Give Black Exhibit, Powered by The Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland
Through many faces and stories of community generosity, we celebrate those who give Black throughout Northeast Ohio.
Liberation through Film
Choose from a collection of curated films in Kanopy to celebrate Juneteenth.
You can enjoy Kanopy from the comfort of your living room with the Kanopy app on Roku.
Revisiting Our Past through The Art of Literature
Check out or reserve a book online about Juneteenth and related topics from our recommended booklist.
Reframing History: The Rise of Black Glenville (virtual tour)
Virtual African American history exhibit that is dedicated to keeping stories alive through archiving the past, recording the present, and advocating for the future. The history and legacy of 1950s live within the residents of Glenville.