Alexis Gunderson

(301) 699-3500 x6158

alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info

Largo, Maryland – Throughout the month of June, the Prince George’s Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will be running programming and events to commemorate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, and is celebrated annually on June 19. All PGCMLS branches will be closed in observance of the holiday on that Thursday, but both before and after, PGCMLS customers of all ages will be able to learn more about the history of the holiday, and celebrate its principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy at branches across the county.

“The library system’s recognition of Juneteenth represents an opportunity to acknowledge history — emancipation and the end of slavery — and the lives of formerly enslaved people in the U.S.,” says Dr. Mark Winston, Chief Executive Officer of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. “We honor those whose lives and struggles are often forgotten.”

Highlights of PGCMLS’ Juneteenth programming include a screening of “Black Panther” at the Oxon Hill Branch Library (June 17); two local author storytimes with Maryland children’s book writer Tricia Elam Walker at the Fairmount Heights (June 24) and Greenbelt (June 25) Branch Libraries; and a series of “Ms. Story’s Living History” performances by actress and historical interpreter Shemika Renee at the Beltsville (June 21), Hyattsville (June 24), Hillcrest Heights (June 25), and Upper Marlboro (June 26) Branch Libraries. 

Additionally, community members are encouraged as part of their Juneteenth observance to visit the Sojourner Truth Room at the Oxon Hill Branch Library. This multimedia special collection was built on the site of the Sojourner Truth Elementary School for African Americans and features materials that focus on African American history, with a particular focus on Prince George’s County. Included in the collection are magazine, journal, and newspaper archives; archival sheet music from the likes of Harry Belafonte and Scott Joplin; an historic stamp collection; bound local cemetery and genealogical records; oral histories from formerly enslaved persons; and even an original manumission paper. 

For more information about how PGCMLS commemorates Juneteenth, please visit the Black Heritage Hub on the PGCMLS website. And for a full listing of the Library’s summer events, including Pride and Summer Prince George’s programming, check out the PGCMLS events calendar.

Full details of PGCMLS Juneteenth events are listed below.

Featured Juneteenth Events at PGCMLS

Juneteenth Bingo

Free | Thursday, June 12, at 4:30 pm | Teens and Adults| Spauldings Branch Library | Link

Celebrate Juneteenth and Black culture with a fun game of Bingo! You’ll be able to test your knowledge and fill your Bingo card with fun facts. 

Family Film Screening: “Black Panther”

Free | Tuesday, June 17, at 5 pm | Kids to Adults| Oxon Hill Branch Library | Link

Kids and families are invited to come to the Oxon Hill Branch Library for a screening of the Marvel movie “Black Panther.” About the movie: "A superhero known as Black Panther defends Wakanda, a technologically advanced country in Africa that has hidden itself away from the rest of the world. Now, he must face a dissident who wants to sell the country's natural resources to fund an uprising."  — From Swank.com. Rated PG-13, 135 minutes in length

Juneteenth Celebration: Ms. Story's Living History

Presented by Actress Shemika Renee

Beltsville Branch Library | Saturday, June 21, at 1 pm | Kids to Adults | Link | Free

Hyattsville Branch Library | Tuesday, June 24, at 6 pm | Kids to Adults | Link | Free

Hillcrest Heights Branch Library| Wednesday, June 25, at 6 pm | Kids to Adults | Link | Free

Upper Marlboro Branch Library| Thursday, June 26, at 4:30 pm | Kids to Adults | Link | Free

Celebrate Juneteenth with “Ms. Story’s Living History,” a one-woman program written and performed by actress Shemika Renee, historical interpreter and outreach specialist at the National Colonial Farm in Accokeek, MD. Through Renee’s powerful first-person storytelling, you are invited to experience the remarkable journeys of Black women who shaped American history from the Colonial era to the Civil Rights movement.

Juneteenth Celebration: "Dream Street" and "Nana Akua Goes to School"

With Maryland Author Tricia Elam Walker

Fairmount Heights Branch Library | Tuesday, June 24, at 6 pm | Ages 4-8 yrs | Link | Free

Greenbelt Branch Library | Wednesday, June 25, at 6 pm | Ages 4-8 yrs | Link | Free

Celebrate Juneteenth with author Tricia Elam Walker as she reads from her exciting children’s books, "Dream Street" and "Nana Akua Goes to School". These stories feature fun characters and important lessons about dreams, family, and celebrating what makes us unique. Best suited for children ages 4–8. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the event!

Graphics Package

About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Workforce and Economic Development. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.