This June, explore Juneteenth resources at the Lake Bluff Library, including book displays, curated reading lists, digital resources, and an upcoming virtual program on the new Obama Presidential Center.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, Juneteenth honors Black freedom, history, culture, and achievement while also recognizing the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice in the United States.

Explore Juneteenth Displays

Visit the Library throughout June to browse Juneteenth displays featuring books and resources for learning more about Black history, culture, and stories.

Browse Reading Lists

Discover curated reading lists for adults featuring titles connected to Juneteenth, Black history, and Black voices.

Looking for digital titles? Visit our eBooks & Downloadables page to download the Libby app. A special Juneteenth Libby reading list curated by a Lake Bluff librarian will be available later this month. Additional digital resources are also available on Hoopla, and Kanopy offers films and documentaries exploring Black history, culture, and experiences.

Attend an Upcoming Program

Inside the Obama Presidential Center
Thursday, June 11 at 7pm
Virtual Program
Registration Required

Join us for a virtual presentation about the Barack Obama Presidential Library and the Obama Presidential Center. Speakers Kenvi Phillips and Tina Tchen will discuss the nation’s first fully digital presidential library and how the Center will serve as a community hub on Chicago’s South Side. Learn how presidential records are preserved and how the Center will share President Barack Obama’s legacy while promoting civic engagement and democratic values.