Salt Lake County Library to hold Juneteenth events Salt Lake County Library / Google and last updated 2021-06-16 17:54:20-04 SALT LAKE CITY â The Salt Lake County Library will hold live and virtual events Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth. The Juneteenth Festival will commemorate the end of slavery and the contributions, history and heritage of Black Americans. The holiday celebrates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers in Galveston (Texas) informed enslaved Black Americans they had been freed with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Utah officially recognized Juneteenth in 2016. âCultural celebrations are a great opportunity for Salt Lake County residents to come together,â said Lifelong Learning Program Manager Nyssa Fleig. âTaking part in the traditions and heritage of Juneteenth is a way for us to learn more about American history while creating connections within our community.â