Philadelphia’s Free Library hosts Juneteenth festivities
Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates Juneteenth with workshops, concerts, and community events throughout June. Discover cultural programming across the city.
The Free Library of Philadelphia is set to host a diverse array of cultural events throughout June to commemorate Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. From interactive workshops to musical performances, these celebrations aim to educate, inspire, and bring communities together in recognition of this significant historical milestone.
Cultural events and educational programming
The month-long celebration starts on June 14 with an innovative educational session on Black American Sign Language (BASL) led by Tempest Cooper at the Parkway Central Library’s Children’s Department. This unique workshop highlights the cultural diversity within American Sign Language and its historical significance.
Multiple library branches across Philadelphia will host hands-on activities, including:
- A special Juneteenth craft session at Andorra Library (June 16)
- Flag-making workshop at Widener Library (June 17)
- Interactive historical storytelling at Overbrook Park Library (June 18)
Culinary and musical celebrations
Food and music play central roles in this year’s programming. The Wynnefield Library will present two Cookbook Popup events (June 16 and June 30), while the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library will host the “1865 Frequencies/Freedom is a Sound” Juneteenth concert on June 16.
Community gatherings and exhibitions
Other notable community events include:
- The Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Summer Reading Kickoff at Cecil B. Moore Library (June 17)
- Juneteenth: Legacy in Ink Community Book Fair and Exhibition Opening at the Business Resource and Innovation Center (June 21)
- Freedom Fest at Tacony Library (June 24)
For additional Juneteenth celebrations throughout Philadelphia, visitors can check juneteenthphilly.org. Questions about these events can also be directed through the library’s Ask a Librarian service.
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