Special Event: Douglass Day 2026

Community members are invited to participate in transcribe-a-thons at the library and other locations and to view a Special Collections Showcase at Firestone Library.

Douglass Day is an annual celebration of social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass coordinated by the Library of Congress. Each year, thousands of people gather to help create new and freely available resources for learning about Black history.

Theme (from DouglassDay.org): "All Rights for All: Equality and the Colored Conventions Movement"
In 2026, we are focusing on the struggles for citizenship, equality, and belonging in the Colored Conventions. We want to reconsider how far we have come and where we want to go. The Colored Conventions include rich, historical documents and debates that speak directly to our fight today to secure and preserve our citizenship and civil rights.

There will be a transcribe-a-thon from noon to 3 p.m. and a cake cutting at 1 p.m. at the library. Additional transcribe-a-thons will be held at the Princeton University Commons Library, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch, Pennington Public Library and the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum. 

A limited number of computers will be available at each location, so please bring a laptop if possible. 

Visit Firestone Library at Princeton University between 2 and 4 p.m. for a pop-up Special Collections Showcase, featuring objects by and about Frederick Douglass and other significant works featuring African American perspectives. 

Presented in partnership with the Princeton University Center for Digital Humanities, Princeton University Library, Mercer County Library: Hopewell Branch, Pennington Public Library, and the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum. Public Humanities programs are presented with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Tech Center Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Assistive listening system compatible with personal T-coil-enabled devices (compatible headphones also available for use during programs)
• English-language subtitles for films (when available)
• If there is an accommodation that you need or would like so that you can fully enjoy library programs, please visit our Accommodations Request Form.

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