Some City of Austin offices, public facilities closed for Juneteenth

Juneteenth Freedom Summit at University of Texas

The inaugural event will focus on why Juneteenth matters in the nation's political climate. Dr. Richard Reddick, Associate Dean for Equity and Community Engagement and Outreach at UT, has more.

AUSTIN, Texas - Some City of Austin administrative offices and public facilities will close for the Juneteenth holiday today, Friday, June 18, 2021.

Juneteenth recently became a federal holiday in the United States. It celebrates the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved.

On June 19th, 1865, the news finally reached Galveston, Texas that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved Africans and African descendants were free. The following year, the day became known as "Juneteenth" and there were celebrations and political rallies across Texas.

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FOX 7 Discussion: Juneteenth becomes federal holiday

Dr. Theodore Francis with Huston-Tillotson University joins Rebecca Thomas to talk about the importance of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday.

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Austin Public Library Schedule

Austin Public Library branches, Central Library, and the Austin History Center will be closed today, June 18, and Saturday, June 19. Library resources that are available remotely can be accessed at the Austin Public Library website.

Austin Animal Center Schedule

The Austin Animal Center will close in observance of Juneteenth today, reopening tomorrow.

Pet of the Weekend: Tyson

April Peiffer with the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter has more on a dog looking for his forever home.

Trash and Recycling Schedules

All Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) trash, recycling, and compost collections will be unaffected for the Juneteenth holiday. For the most up-to-date information on all your ARR collections, download the Austin Recycles App for your Apple or Android device. or visit austintexas.gov/myschedule to sign up for collection reminders and alerts.

Administrative offices will be closed Friday and the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) remains closed to the public for the time being. Visit austintexas.gov/dropoff for updates on the status of the RRDOC and the availability of drop-off appointments.

Austin Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Sites are OPEN

Walk-Up (No Appointment) Clinics hours:

Southeast Library
Tuesday-Friday, 2-8 p.m.

Little Walnut Creek Library
Tuesday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ana Lark Center (Pfizer vaccine)
Tuesday and Friday, 1-7 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

APH will also be providing vaccinations at several pop-up community events during the Juneteenth weekend.

Parks and Recreation Facilities Schedules

Golf courses and tennis centers will be open regularly scheduled hours both today, June 18th, and tomorrow, June 19th. Bartholomew, Barton Springs, Govalle, Balcones, and Dittmar Pools will also be open. View City pool hours online at AustinTexas.gov/Pools. Find all Austin Parks and Recreation facility closure information at AustinTexas.gov/page/pard-facilities-closures.

Historical marker dedicated to recognize Austin's oldest African-American cemetery

Dr. Fred McGhee, author of 'Austin's Montopolis Neighborhood' talks about the history of Burditt's Prairie Freedmen's Community Cemetery.

The City of Austin is encouraging Austinites and visitors to know how they are going to get home before they leave the house for the holiday and graduation celebrations, so they can get home safe. Visit austintexas.gov/gethomesafe to see a list of options.

For questions about city services or information call 3-1-1. You can also submit service requests from the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app.