Indianapolis, Indiana – The Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) at the Indianapolis Central Library is preparing to host a day full of inspiration, creativity, and cultural pride as it celebrates its 8th Annual Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., families, readers, and writers are invited to attend a vibrant day of community and storytelling — all centered around this year’s powerful theme: Liberating Minds: African American Literature and Libraries.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place inside the Central Library, located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The highlight of the celebration will be a special appearance by librarian and literary advocate Mychal Threets, whose enthusiastic social media presence has sparked national admiration for the power of books and the welcoming spirit of libraries.
With his signature warmth and infectious love for literature, Threets is widely known for creating what he calls “library joy.” His uplifting videos and affirming messages have attracted nearly 2 million followers across platforms, drawing attention from Time magazine and Rolling Stone. His motto, “We all belong in libraries,” has become a rallying cry for inclusive storytelling and library access. Threets will appear in a moderated conversation at 2 p.m. in the Clowes Auditorium, alongside New York Times bestselling Indianapolis author Ashley C. Ford.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mychal Threets, who has been a powerful advocate for the value and impact of libraries,” said Bryanna Barnes, a public service librarian at Central Library. “We’re just as excited to showcase our local authors and to highlight the creativity happening here in Indy’s literary scene. Celebrating Black storytelling is more important than ever, and we invite everyone to join us. Bring the kids, bring the whole family, and take time to celebrate the history of Juneteenth and the importance of the Black community sharing our stories.”
Admission to the moderated conversation is free, but space is limited. Tickets will be available to the public beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30, while supplies last. Attendees can sign up for a reminder through Eventbrite. However, no tickets are required to enjoy the rest of the day’s programming, which includes a local author book fair, drop-in children’s activities, and musical performances.
More than 30 Black authors from Indianapolis and beyond will participate in the local author book fair from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests can browse and purchase a wide variety of titles — from poetry to children’s books, nonfiction to speculative fiction — all reflecting the rich diversity of Black voices. The book fair provides an opportunity for authors to engage directly with readers and share the stories that matter most to their communities.
To keep younger readers engaged, a children’s activity area will be available from 10 a.m. to noon. These family-friendly drop-in sessions are designed to nurture creativity and imagination, providing an early introduction to the joys of storytelling. In addition, live music from the Nu Destiny Christian Church Choir will add soulful energy to the day’s festivities.
The annual celebration takes place in honor of Juneteenth, the historic date marking the end of slavery in the United States. Although President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the law and free the remaining enslaved people — more than 250,000 in total. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth serves as a moment to reflect on Black liberation, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice.
The CBLC Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration continues to serve as both a cultural landmark and a community tradition. Sponsored by the African American History Committee and supported by the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund, the event strengthens local efforts to celebrate Black heritage through literature, art, and dialogue.
Participating authors in this year’s book fair include Taiwo Ajumobi, Ariyan Alexander, John F. Allen, Carlotta Berry, Carmen Davenport, Denise T. Harris, Alisia Jackson, K. R. S. McEntire, DaTerious DT Neal, Darius Rico, Jamaal Shabaz, and many more. Their work spans generations and genres, offering something meaningful for every reader who walks through the library doors.
In an age of digital overload and shrinking attention spans, the Central Library and CBLC are offering a bold reminder that books — and the people who write and read them — still matter deeply. Events like the Book Fest and Juneteenth Celebration help ensure that the stories of the Black community are preserved, uplifted, and passed on.
For families, readers, and supporters of Black literature, June 14 promises to be more than just another day at the library. It will be a celebration of freedom, a gathering of voices, and a true expression of the belief that stories — especially those rooted in truth and identity — can liberate minds and change lives.
