Join the Center for Black Literature & Culture for the 9th Annual Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration honoring freedom, culture, and storytelling. Commemorating Juneteenth and the legacy of the Emancipation Proclamation, this year’s theme is "Empowered to Speak: Freedom Dreams".
Join the Center for Black Literature & Culture for our 9th Annual Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration, a powerful gathering that honors history, creativity, and the enduring spirit of freedom.
Juneteenth, now recognized as a national holiday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Texans—announced two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This day stands as a reminder of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing journey toward justice.
Our annual Book Fest offers a vibrant glimpse into the African American experience through arts, literature, and storytelling. This year’s theme, “Empowered to Speak: Freedom Dreams,” invites attendees to explore the voices, visions, and narratives that shape our past, present, and future.
We are honored to welcome keynote speaker Tomi Adeyemi, acclaimed author of Children of Blood and Bone, whose work amplifies Black identity, culture, and imagination on a global stage.
Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration as we uplift stories that matter and continue the legacy of freedom through the power of words.
Would you like to be a featured author? Learn more and fill out our online application. Deadline May 25, 2026.
AGE GROUP: | All Ages |
EVENT TYPE: | Center for Black Literature and Culture | Book Sale | Author Visit |
As the hub of the Indianapolis Public Library system, Central Library showcases renowned architecture and services. The original 1917 building, designed by Paul Cret and constructed of Indiana limestone in the Greek Doric style, was considered one of the most outstanding secular buildings in the U.S. Its six-story glass and steel-framed addition, designed by Evans Woollen, opened in 2007.
