This news item expired on Saturday, June 18, 2022 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
On Friday, June 17, Buncombe County offices and public libraries will be closed for Juneteenth (also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and other names). Please see below for more departmental information.
Last year, the Board of Commissioners formally adopted Juneteenth as a County holiday, closing County facilities the Friday on or before Juneteenth’s actual date of observance on June 19. Pausing for the holiday will help raise awareness about the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Formally recognizing Juneteenth is also a major step in acknowledging diversity and inclusion gaps we are actively seeking to address. Equity is one of Buncombe County’s primary core values, and Buncombe County is honored to commemorate this important date in history.
Buncombe County is excited and proud to sponsor this year’s Freedom Festival featuring art, music, and more.
What: Freedom Festival, a celebration of Juneteenth
When: Saturday, June 18
Where: Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville
Learn more about Juneteenth here.
In celebration of Juneteenth, local artist Heather Tolbert (fromtheashescac.com) worked with Buncombe County librarians to create a special all-ages coloring page featuring luminaries from Buncombe County's African-American community. Check it out here.
Departmental information
Solid Waste
The Landfill and Transfer Station will operate a regular schedule on Friday, June 17.
Waste Pro will operate on their regular collection schedule.
Recreation Services
Administrative offices are closed on Friday, June 17. All Buncombe County parks and pools will be open on their regular schedule.
Libraries
All Buncombe County public libraries will be closed June 17-18. Per their regular schedule libraries are closed on Sundays & Mondays and will reopen on Tuesday, June 21. Access our digital resources at buncombecounty.org/library.
Buncombe County Courthouse
Buncombe County courts observe the North Carolina Judicial Branch Holiday schedule and will be in session on Friday, June 17. The Buncombe County Courthouse will be open on Friday, June 17. Please check your court date, failing to appear in court can result in an order for arrest and financial penalty.
Mountain Mobility
Mountain Mobility is only operating ADA paratransit service on Friday, June 17. No other trips will be served.
Health & Human Services
All BCHHS offices including the Immunization Clinic will be closed Friday, June 17.
Register of Deeds
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds will be closed Friday, June 17. Online services will remain available.
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office front desk will be closed Friday, June 17, all other operations will be on a normal schedule.
Emergency Services
Administrative offices will be closed Friday, June 17. EMS and 911 maintain normal operations.