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Headshot of author Tomi Adeyemi and the cover of her book "Children of Blood and Bone."

CBLC 9th Annual Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration

Presented by the Center for Black Literature & Culture

2026-06-13 10:00:00 2026-06-13 15:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis CBLC 9th Annual Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration 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". Central Library -

Saturday, June 13
10:00am - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-06-13 10:00:00 2026-06-13 15:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis CBLC 9th Annual Book Fest & Juneteenth Celebration 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". Central Library -

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.

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. Free tickets are required to attend the keynote. Get a free ticket to the keynote. Keynote seating will start at 1 p.m. and the keynote will begin at 2 p.m. 

In support of this inspiring annual event, we have launched a campaign in Libby/OverDrive. From now through June 30, borrowers can access the entire Legacy of Orïsha series (in both e-book and e-audiobook fomats) without any waitlists. Borrow from the Legacy of Orïsha series.

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.

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.

AGE GROUP: | All Ages |

EVENT TYPE: | Center for Black Literature and Culture | Book Sale | Author Visit |

TAGS: | |

Central Library

Phone: 317-275-4100

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Mon, Jun 01 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jun 02 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jun 03 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Jun 04 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Jun 05 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Jun 06 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Jun 07 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

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.

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