Seattle, Washington – The King County Library System (KCLS) is inviting patrons to commemorate Juneteenth, a nationally recognized holiday that signifies the end of slavery in the United States. This June, KCLS has curated reading recommendations and organized special events to honor the resilience and joy of the African American community and shed light on their rich heritage.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the historic day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the end of slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, had taken two and a half years to reach all enslaved individuals in the country.
To encourage a deeper understanding of African American heritage and the significance of freedom, KCLS staff has meticulously compiled reading lists, which patrons can explore. These curated lists offer a diverse selection of literature that sheds light on the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans.
In addition to the reading recommendations, KCLS has organized two special Juneteenth events for residents to participate in:
- Saturday, June 10, 2:00 – 5:00 PM Federal Way Library Makerspace Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in storytelling and hands-on activities focused on Juneteenth. The event will feature the renowned “American Traveling History Museum: The Unspoken Truths,” founded and curated by Delbert Richardson.
- Wednesday, June 21, 1:00 – 2:30 PM Online event This virtual celebration of Juneteenth will include music, movement, and reflection. Merri Ann Osborne and The Mahogany Project will facilitate the event, providing a platform for participants to engage with the holiday’s significance.
Dominica Myers, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at KCLS, highlighted the growing awareness and appreciation for Juneteenth across diverse backgrounds. She expressed hope that patrons would enjoy the Juneteenth programming offered by KCLS.
Established in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is renowned as one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Serving the communities of King County outside the city of Seattle, KCLS operates 50 libraries and caters to nearly 1.6 million individuals. In 2022 alone, KCLS residents checked out a staggering 7.9 million digital eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, making it the second-highest digital circulating library system in the United States.
As Juneteenth gains recognition and significance, KCLS is dedicated to providing a platform for communities to come together and celebrate this important holiday. Through its reading recommendations and events, KCLS aims to foster awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the African American experience and their enduring journey to freedom.
For more information about Juneteenth events and resources, please visit the KCLS website.
