Celebrate Juneteenth at your local library! From storytelling and musical performances to dance workshops and rodeo pony rides, find programming honoring Freedom Day across Detroit Public Library locations. All library locations will be closed on Thursday, June 19th in observance of the holiday.
Please note - the Juneteenth Rodeo (originally scheduled for June 18th) has been POSTPONED due to impending thunderstorms. The Rodeo will now take place on Friday, June 20th, from 3 - 6 pm at the Main Library.
Bowen Branch
- Juneteenth Crafts (more details)
Monday, June 16, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Kids of all ages can drop in during open hours and make crafts celebrating Juneteenth, while supplies last.
Campbell Branch
- Juneteenth Family Movie Night (more details)
Wednesday, June 18, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for a family-friendly movie screening that celebrates the spirit of Juneteenth and promotes unity and togetherness. Popcorn, treats, and all the snacks you need for a perfect movie night—on us!
Chaney Branch
- Juneteenth Trivia Game
Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pmChaney's Juneteenth celebration kicks off with a Juneteenth Trivia Game and ends with a storyteller and crafts.
Chase Branch
- Crafts & Scavenger Hunt
Week of June 16
Drop in during open hours during the week of June 16th for Juneteenth crafts and a scavenger hunt.
Conely Branch
- Juneteenth Storytelling and Song with Mama Jahre (more details)
Tuesday, June 17, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth at Conely on June 17 @ 4:30! Music, stories & history with Mama Jahra and a kids’ book showcase. Fun for the whole family!
Duffield Branch
- Freedom Songs Through the Years (more details)
Tuesday, June 24, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Celebrates the power of music in the fight for freedom. "Freedom Songs Through the Years: A Sing-Along, Movement, and Moving Experience" will take you on a journey through history, bringing together the voices, rhythms, and movements that have inspired generations in the pursuit of liberty and justice.
Edison Branch
- Sew a Juneteenth Bistro Apron (more details)
Wednesday, June 11, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Our instructor guides you step-by-step through creating your very own bistro apron! Vibrant printed fabric and sewing machine provided. Perfect for adults at all skill levels. Space is limited.
- Juneteenth Jamboree (more details)
Wednesday, June 18, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Edison Branch during our first annual Juneteenth Jamboree! Enjoy music, food, shaved ice from Kona Ice Truck, and fun games.
Elmwood Park Branch
- Juneteenth Book Club (more details)
Thursday, June 12, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Juneteenth Book Club will read Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris.
- Juneteenth Storytime (more details)
Friday, June 20, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Celebrate freedom and unity by listening to a storytime and craft all while enjoying a strawberry pop! The storytime will feature Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper.
- Juneteenth Jamboree - Alnur African Dance Workshop
(more details)
Friday, June 20, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pmThe Alnur African Dance Company joins us as we celebrate freedom and culture! Experience the joy and power of dance with a dazzling performance, followed by an engaging guided African dance session.
Franklin Branch
- Juneteenth Canvas Painting (more details)
Thursday, June 12, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us a week early to have some snacks and help us make Juneteenth canvases to celebrate and honor the folks who came before us. All materials supplied, for ages 4 and up
Hubbard Branch
- A World of Music and Stories (more details)
Wednesday, June 18, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pmAudrey Allison joins us for a storytelling and music program where she plays African drums and traditional percussion instruments, including the steel drum. The audience will get to try and play the instruments too!
Jefferson Branch
- Juneteenth Bingo (more details)
Wednesday, June 18, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Get ready to celebrate Juneteenth with a fun game of bingo filled with prizes, music, and good vibes!
- "Juneteenth for Mazie" Film and Craft Activities (more details)
Friday, June 20, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Come join us to honor Mazie with a film screening and craft activities to celebrate Juneteenth together!
Knapp Branch
- Juneteenth Celebration: Story, Craft, and Bingo! (more details)
Friday, June 20, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for a fun Juneteenth Celebration with stories, crafts, and bingo games!
Lincoln Branch
- Lincoln Branch Celebrates Juneteenth - Freedom Day! (more details)
Monday, June 16, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Songs, food, a fashion show, and more! Guest speaker Larry Castleberry from the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers (DABS) as he shares the history of Michigan's 102nd United State Color Troops.
Main Library
- Celebrate JUNETEENTH Day with the Creation of a Freedom Bell
(more details)
Monday, June 16, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
We will be creating a Freedom Bell together to commemorate this important day in history. This in-person event will be a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn, create, and celebrate freedom and unity. Ages 8-12.
- Juneteenth Rodeo and Summer Reading Kickoff (more details)
New time due to weather: Friday, June 20, 3:00 pm - 6:00pm
The Midwest Invitational Rodeo will again join us for our annual Juneteenth Celebration and Summer Reading Kickoff. Don't miss the fun of pony rides, a petting zoo, line dancing, lawn games, arts & crafts, face painting & more!
- Rhythms of Resilience and Change (more details)
Wednesday, June 18, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Award-winning city planner and photographer Rod Arroyo focuses on the historical jazz clubs and Black-owned businesses in Paradise Valley and Black Bottom using original maps, photographs, and personal stories.
- Juneteenth Crafts (more details)
Saturday, June 21, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Learn about the history of Juneteenth, then create a red, white, and blue streamer for take home.
Parkman Branch
- Celebrate Juneteenth (more details)
Wednesday, June 18, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us for an engaging and educational program that explores the rich history and lasting significance of Juneteenth, presented by author and storyteller Gwendolyn Lewis.
Redford Branch
- Juneteenth Celebration (more details)
Friday, June 20, 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Join for a Juneteenth-themed canvas painting activity for adults and a DIY Juneteenth necklace craft for kids. Refreshments and craft supplies provided.
Wilder Branch
- Juneteenth Celebration (more details)
Wednesday, June 18, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us for Juneteenth themed refreshments and African-inspired crafts as we celebrate Freedom Day!