Libraries across the country will celebrate our nation's rich tapestry of cultures during national El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) on April 30.
Also known as Dia, the event is a celebration of children, families and reading. Libraries will offer family programs, including bilingual story hours, book giveaways and other literacy-driven events.
Avid readers are led by the reading habits of their parents. Through literacy events and programs like Dia, libraries work with parents and caregivers to spread "bookjoy."
Research has shown that enjoying a book with a child even for a few minutes a day can make a measurable difference in both the appreciation of reading and the development of skills, while research on early literacy and brain development indicates that it is never too early to prepare children for success as readers.
"Dia bridges cultures and provides an opportunity for families regardless of linguistic or cultural background to come together and learn from one another," said Mary Fellows, president, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). "We want parents and caregivers to know that the library is a place to learn, read and have fun -- a place that the whole family can enjoy."
Parents, caregivers and teachers can also celebrate Dia at home or in their classrooms with free bilingual book lists and activities from the Dia website at http://dia.ala.org. Resources are available in Chinese and Spanish.
Dia is sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association, and is an enhancement of Children's Day, which began in 1925.
For information on local events contact your local library, or visit http://cs.ala.org/websurvey/alsc/dia/map.cfm.
