As libraries throughout the country continue to expand their collections for diverse communities, thousands will celebrate the 15th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) on April 30, 2011. Libraries across the country will host celebrations with family programs, including bilingual story hours, book giveaways and other literacy events. El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Día 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. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well-being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy to found El día de los niños/El día de los libros. Contact your local library for information on local events, or visit www.ala.org/dia for book lists and more information.