Celebrate Juneteenth at the library! Explore storytelling and
music events, crafts and cooking classes, and dance workshops and rodeo pony rides - all honoring Freedom Day across Detroit Public Library
locations. All library locations will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of the holiday.
Juneteenth: Pan-African Juneteenth Bracelets
Edison Branch
Month of June
Join us to honor freedom and history by creating your own Juneteenth bracelet. Use vibrant red, black, and green beads to represent the Pan-African flag, paired with letter beads to spell out "JUNETEENTH." A perfect, meaningful keepsake for all ages!
Juneteenth Open Mic: An Evening of Comedy & Poetry
Edison Branch
Wednesday, June 3 & 17, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Get ready for an evening of laughter, creativity, and community! Whether you're stepping up to the mic or cheering from the audience, this is a welcoming space to express yourself and connect with others.
Juneteenth Celebration
Chase Branch
June 8 to June 18 – drop-in any time.
Pick up a free Juneteenth flag or bracelet and make a custom Juneteenth bracelet or decorations to take home.
Annual Juneteenth Kid’s Rodeo
Main Library
Wednesday, June 10, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Join our friends from the Midwest Invitational Rodeo as we celebrate our annual Juneteenth Kid’s Rodeo at the Library! We’ll feature a lively country carnival with games, a petting zoo, line dance lessons and a special surprise for parents. And of course we’ll have pony rides! Sign up for Summer Reading and join in the fun! Kids of all ages are welcome.
Juneteenth Bracelet Making
Campbell Branch
Wednesday, June 10, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Get creative and celebrate freedom by making your own unique Juneteenth bracelets.
Juneteenth Faux Stained Glass
Franklin Branch
Thursday, June 11, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Use our patterns or design your own and make a “faux” stained glass to decorate your home with a beautiful handmaid celebration of Juneteenth
Juneteenth Storytime
Children’s Library at Main
Saturday, June 13, 11:00 am – Noon
Join us for Saturday morning storytime as we read, sing, craft, and play our way into robust early literacy skills! Directly following storytime, toys will be brought out for families who want to stay and play at the library.
June Crafternoon: Dragonfly Keychain
Elmwood Park Branch
Tuesday, June 16, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Come celebrate Juneteenth at Elmwood Park. Make a dragonfly keychain and learn about the spiritual and historical connection between Juneteenth and dragonflies.
Juneteenth Storytime
Children’s Library at Main
Tuesday, June 16, 5:00 pm
Come join us for a fun-filled evening of stories, songs, and activities perfect for preschool-aged children. Our friendly librarian will lead the session, keeping your little ones engaged and entertained. For ages 3-6.
Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom
Chaney Branch
Tuesday, June 16, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
This amazing documentary explores the spiritual roots of the Juneteenth holiday, tracing the legacy of slavery and the fight for liberation in Texas. This film features interviews with activist Opal Lee, hip hop artist LeCrae, and various historians and community leaders.
Freedom Songs Through the Years: A Sing-Along, Movement, and Moving Experience
Duffield Branch
Tuesday, June 16, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
This Juneteenth, celebrate the power of music in the fight for freedom with a journey through history, bringing together voices, rhythms, and movements that have inspired generations in the pursuit of liberty and justice.
Juneteenth Hustle Line Dance Party
Main Library
Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us at the Main Library for a fun, high-energy Hustle Dance Class focused on movement, music, and wellness. Whether you’re new to the Hustle or already know the steps, this is a welcoming space to get moving, connect with others, and enjoy great vibes.
Juneteenth with Storyteller Shani
Douglass Branch
Wednesday, June 17, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with a special storyteller.
Stand Up for Freedom: A Dance Workshop with Abigail School of Dance
Jefferson Branch
Wednesday, Jun 17, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Instructors from Abigail School of Dance will lead a workshop that honors the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, who did not hear the message of freedom. Through choreography rooted in strength, resilience, and liberation, dancers will embody the struggle, the waiting, and the moment of freedom. Wear clothes you are comfortable moving in. This workshop is open to all ages, but is first come first serve, with a firm cap at 15 dancers.
A World of Music & Stories
Lincoln Branch
Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
In honor of Juneteenth, we welcome Audrey Allison and her World of Music and Stories. Ms. Allison tells stories for children and families and plays African drums and traditional percussion instruments, including the steel drum.
Juneteenth Party!
Parkman Branch
Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
At our community celebration in honor of Juneteenth we’re commemorating the journey toward freedom with an afternoon of joy and connection featuring food, music, rounds of Juneteenth bingo with prizes, and hands-on crafts for all ages.
Juneteenth Crafts
Chandler Park Branch
Thursday, June 18, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with a fun and creative drop-in craft program for kids and teens! Stop by to enjoy coloring activities, make colorful unity bracelets with beads, and create your own Juneteenth flag craft. All supplies will be provided while they last. For ages 5 and up.
Juneteenth Craft
Wilder Branch
Thursday, June 18, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join us for a Juneteenth-themed craft!
Juneteenth Cooking Class for Families
Sherwood Forest Branch
Thursday, June 18, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Learn about Juneteenth and prepare a delicious snack traditionally eaten on this holiday to honor African American freedom with Michigan State University Extension.
Juneteenth Storytime and Craft
Redford Branch
Thursday, June 18, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Celebrate and learn about Juneteenth with a special storytime and craft!
Juneteenth Family Paint Party
Bowen Branch
Thursday, June 18, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Join expert Candace Dove of Detroit Paint Party as she teaches how to create a beautiful Juneteenth painting! Children ages 5+ and their caregivers can participate in this family-friendly activity. All supplies will be provided. Registration required and spaces are limited so you must email madkins@detroitpubliclibrary in order to secure your spot.
Juneteenth Paint Party
Chaney Branch
Thursday, June 18, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Join us for a fun, relaxed, and in-person gathering where you can celebrate freedom and expression through art. No experience needed—just bring your vibes and be ready to paint the town bold and bright. It's all about good times, great company, and colorful masterpieces.
Juneteenth Book Club
Elmwood Park Branch
Thursday, June 18, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Join us as we discuss Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. For adults only and refreshments provided.
Legacy of the Black Medical Schools and Departments in the United States
Main Library
Saturday, June 20, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Dr. Anita Moncrease, Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Wayne State University will highlight and discuss research behind the traveling exhibit and the role of African Americans in shaping the American medical profession.
Create a Juneteenth Flag
Children’s Library at Main
Saturday, June 20, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join us to craft your own colorful flag and celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth together!
Juneteenth: The Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund
Edison Branch
Monday, June 29, 5:00 – 7:30 pm
The Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund is dedicated to addressing land ownership disparities by helping Black farmers in Detroit secure property. Participants will learn about funding and resources, plus one-on-one help for completing applications.
NACA Homebuying Workshop
Main Library
Saturday, June 27, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
NACA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making homeownership accessible and affordable for working families and communities. NACA is best known for its housing program that does not require a down payment, does not require closing costs, and does not use fees, while providing members support and counseling through the homebuying process.