As part of the Castleton's Fourth of July festivities, please come to a free program at the Castleton Free Library, Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:30.

"Reading Frederick Douglass". This is a Vermont Humanities Council sponsored event.

On July 5th, 1852, Frederick Douglass, one of our nation's greatest orators and abolitionists, was asked to speak at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Douglass's speech, "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro", remains emotionally powerful and thought provoking more than a century and a half after he gave it.

Reading Frederick Douglass causes us to think in new ways about our nation's history, affords opportunities to open up discourse about race relations and citizenship, and raises awareness of the role slavery and race continue to play in our history and national discourse.

This is a participatory event and all are welcome to read parts of the speech. If possible, please send an email if you would like to read.

The library will have copies available to read from and a link to the speech may be found on our website, castletonfreelibrary.org

The reading will be held on the front steps of the library (weather permitting). We will move indoors if the weather doesn't cooperate.

This program is free, accessible and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.

Questions? 468-5574 or castletonfreelibrary@gmail.com