On this date in 1865, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the last enslaved people learned that they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was given. Today, Lake Bluff Public Library joins our community and the nation in celebration of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

An important part of the Lake Bluff Public Library’s Mission Statement is to “act as a vibrant community center that provides materials and services to enhance individual knowledge.” In support of lifelong learning and in honor of Juneteenth, explore our Juneteenth book list below, as well as several other online resources to learn more about the holiday.

National Museum of African American History & Culture: Juneteenth

New York Times: Juneteenth – The History of a Holiday

Library of Congress: Today in History – June 19