Washington library to celebrate ‘Day of the child/Day of the book’

One of the great things about living in a community where many different cultures are present is that there is always something to celebrate! In April, for the very first time, the Library, in partnership with Latinos for Washington, will celebrate El día de los niños / El día de los libros (Day of the child / Day of the book).

If you’ve never heard of this celebration before, here’s some history: Since 1925, Día del niño, or the Day of the Child, has grown as an annual celebration throughout Mexico. This day shines a spotlight on our children, pays homage to their importance in society, and endorses their well-being.The celebration officially falls on April 30 each year and children are honored in many ways.

So how do books fit into this? Back in 1996, Pat Mora, nationally known author of books for children had the idea that literacy went hand in hand with thinking about the well-being of children and began promoting the idea of linking language and literature with this celebration of children. This is when the idea of El día de los niños / El día de los libros (Day of the child / Day of the book) was born and began to spread throughout the country in public libraries and schools Libraries have expanded the vision to move from a single day for bilingual celebration to a year of fostering literacy in all cultures with celebrations held on or near April 30th.

On Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Washington’s first El día de los niños / El día de los libros (Day of the child / Day of the book) celebration will be held at the Library. This year’s theme for the celebration is “Each Story Matters, Every Child Counts.” Library staff and volunteers from Latinos for Washington will be on hand for a bilingual storytime, crafts, games and piñatas. Children are invited to dress as their favorite book character and free books will be given out as the supply lasts—so come early and celebrate the children of our community!