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Celebrate children, families and literacy! Celebramos niños, familias y alfabetismo!
Every year, libraries around the country host events around April 30.
Why that date? Since 1925, Día del niño, or the Day of the Child has been a festive day in Mexico. Mexicans hold great festivals that day to honor all children, particularly Santo Niño. The children's author Pat Mora thought libraries in this country could celebrate children and literacy on that day.
She urged Reforma to endorse a family literacy initiative in 1997, and worked with librarians at El Paso Public Library to organize the first celebration. The library's website remembers:
That city's festival has grown dramatically in 15 years, attracting thousands of people to Washington Park. Now libaries, museums, and cities around the United States hold their own Día events.
Join us!
Look for events in your city -- at a library, museum or elsewhere -- and check our Calendar.
The City of Phoenix holds their annual event at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix -- near Burton Barr Library at McDowell and Central.
The exact date varies every year.
If you have craft ideas or would like to volunteer with us, please contact us in March.
Want to start your own Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros?
1. Look for events in your city and ask their organizers for ideas.
2. Plan some simple activities that will attract many people. Find a large space indoors or outside.
3. Invite other community groups to join you -- the more hands preparing a festival, the more people will attend it.
Celebrate your community's diversity. Children's Day is for everyone, regardless of their culture or language. Resources
American Library Association (Día de los Niños page) booklists, posters and more, including photos from celebrations around this country.
First Book Marketplace offers high-quality children's books and educational materials to registered community organizations.
Reading Rockets shows various author interviews, along with illustrated e-cards and booklists
REFORMA has booklists and resources -- from advertising ideas to websites.
Pat Mora's Dia de los Ninos page in a great site
New Mexico State Library lists some wonderful event ideas
Texas Library Association published an event toolkit (PDF) in 2003 suggesting various activities, books and programs.
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