Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the June 19, 1865 ending of slavery in the United States. In honor of history and in celebration of freedom, CPL is hosting several Juneteenth events and offers suggested reading for all ages.
Please note all CPL locations will be closed June 19 and June 20 in observance of Juneteenth.
Featured Event
Voices for Justice Juneteenth Celebration: Clint Smith, 6 p.m. June 16
Online event
Chicago Public Library is pleased to welcome Clint Smith as part of our Voices for Justice speaker series, and in celebration of Juneteenth, to discuss his book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America. He will be in conversation with Candace Moore, City of Chicago Chief Equity Officer and Dr. Obari Cartman, President of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists. The conversation will be moderated by WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore.
Join a viewing party for this event at Legler Regional Library.
Events
Storytelling for Juneteenth and Beyond with Oba William King
Various locations and dates
The History of Juneteenth with Dr. Christopher Reed, 2 p.m. June 12
Hall Branch
Korean Book Discussion: The Nickel Boys, 6:30 p.m. June 14
Albany Park Branch
Painting for Juneteenth, 5:30 p.m. June 22
Thurgood Marshall Branch
Adult Book Discussion: On Juneteenth, 10:30 a.m. June 23
Online event
Adult Book Club: The 1619 Project and Juneteenth Celebration, 6:30 p.m. June 30
Online event
View a recording of last year's Juneteenth Reading Circle event with Richard Wright.
Reading Recommendations
Juneteenth Reading List (books for all ages)
Juneteenth for Kids
