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Long before Juneteenth became America’s newest federal holiday (ca. 2021), Black rodeos celebrated the holiday in East Texas. Bestselling Austin author Sarah Bird’s new book combines archival photos with essays by Bird and sports historian Demetrius Pearson, exploring the oft-overlooked history of these rodeos. Hear from Bird at back-to-back author events: a High Noon Talk at Bullock Museum Wednesday and a conversation and signing at Central Library Thursday, 7pm. – Kat McNevins

Hurrah! It’s the only good thing about summer – sorry to summer-enjoyers – come back once more. Austin Public Library’s summer reading program runs from June 1 until Aug. 10 and challenges readers of all ages to get 20 minutes of reading done a day. They’ve also got activity badges you can earn – fun biz like using APL’s seed library, making a DIY nature journal, attending any of APL’s free events. Finish 10 reading hours and three activity badges to earn prizes like a free book (kids 0-17) or a camping mug (adults). But isn’t the real reward the great books you read along the way? – James Scott