Baker County libraries will be closed on Wed., June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

What is Juneteenth?

On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. No one had told them before that Pres. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years prior--on Jan. 1, 1863, and Gen. Lee had surrendered two months prior. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as Juneteenth — a combination of June and 19 — for over 150 years. The day was recognized as a federal holiday and as an Oregon holiday in 2021. To learn more, visit the Smithsonian museum page. https://libraryaware.com/30GSR8

What is the flag in the image?

The Juneteenth flag is a symbol for the Juneteenth holiday in the U.S. The colors and symbols on the flag are representative of freedom and the end of slavery. The date on the flag represents that of General Order No. 3 issued in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Learn more at https://libraryaware.com/30GSR9