DuPage County

Celebrating Juneteenth and More at The Park Forest Public Library

Celebrating Juneteenth and More at The Park Forest Public Library
Written by Kathryn Sears


Park Forest Public Library

The Park Forest Public Library has special events planned in June to help celebrate both Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and more. There are related movies and giveaways targeting both adults and kids.

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Man on stage with with arms extended
Dr. Ted Williams III appears at the Park Forest Library on June 11. (Photo PFPL)

America 250: Securing the Dream for Us All

On Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 7 p.m., join playwright and actor Dr. Ted Williams III for a performance/talk examining whether we are expanding or retracting the promises of democracy and freedom. The production examines many of the dilemmas facing our democracy, including gun violence, gerrymandering, and school funding.

Please register for this event.

Reel to reel movie projector on a table with a stack of books
Two films celebrating Juneteenth will be shown at the library in June. (Image PFPL)

Two Movies for Adults Celebrating Juneteenth

The library is offering two movies for adults in June to celebrate Juneteenth.

“Green Book” show on Monday, June 15, from noon to 2 p.m. as part of the library’s “From Book to Movie” series. The 2018 film starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen was inspired by the true story of African American pianist Don Shirley’s 1962 tour of the Deep South. Registration opens on June 8.

The second film, “Summer of Soul,” is a 2021 documentary/musical about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which features artists Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight & The Pips, and many more. The movie won the Best Documentary Feature award at the 94th Academy Awards. It will show on Thursday, June 25, at 5:30 p.m. Please register.

drawing of five young people standing together with their arms raised and holding each other
Kids can celebrate Juneteenth with a special giveaway at the library. (Image PFPL)

Two Giveaway Events Planned

On Monday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., kids can stop by the library to pick up free treats, books, and more to celebrate Juneteenth. Giveaways are available while supplies last.

drawing of a father reading a book a child on his lap
Kids and their fathers can participate in a special Father’s Day event at the library on June 16. (Image PFPL)

On Tuesday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the library features “Special Men in My Life: A Father’s Day Giveaway,” celebrating fathers, grandfathers, and other male role models. Families can visit the library for a free take-home giveaway to encourage bonding and sharing experiences with the men in their lives. Giveaways are available while supplies last.

Movies for Teens and Kids

two comic drawings of rabbit characters holding basketballs with a human basketball player in the background
“Space Jam: A New Legacy” will show at the library on June 12. (Image PFPL)

The Movie Matinee for Kids on June 12 at 12:30 p.m. is “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” The live-action-animated sports comedy stars LeBron James in a sequel to the 1996 film “Space Jam.”  As there is limited space for this event, registration is necessary.

Two men and a boy staring ahead with their arms extended
The June Teen Movie Night film is “A Minecraft Movie” on June 16. (Image PFPL)

On Tuesday, June 16, the Teen Movie Night feature is “A Minecraft Movie” at 5 p.m. The 2025 PG-rated film starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black is based on the video game Minecraft. A parent or guardian must accompany all youth under the age of 13. Registration is encouraged.

Library Hours and Information

Additional details and registration links for all June events are in the library’s monthly water bill insert (below) and on the library’s website. Information on the remaining May events is here.

The library at 400 Lakewood Boulevard is open for all services from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The library will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Author

  • Kathryn Sears DuPage County Observer

    Kathryn Sears is a mom and editor-in-chief of DuPage County Observer. She loves to write about politics, sports and everything in between.

    When she is not at work she loves spending time outdoor with two German shepherds Matt and Oli.

    View all posts

About the author

Kathryn Sears

Kathryn Sears is a mom and editor-in-chief of DuPage County Observer. She loves to write about politics, sports and everything in between.

When she is not at work she loves spending time outdoor with two German shepherds Matt and Oli.