Library

Children’s Day Celebrations Promote Literacy

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The San Diego County Library is rolling out a multicultural festival, Mexican bingo, ballet and even Henna tattoos to celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros, or children’s day/book day, in a series of celebrations at local libraries.

Known simply as Día, the celebrations are held every April in support of literacy and encouraging a love of reading among children of all ages. All children who attend one of the events will get to choose a free book in English or Spanish.

“The public library is where people of all backgrounds can come together in pursuit of learning and education – an experience that is invaluable for children and teens,” said Jose Aponte, San Diego County library director.

Día focuses on the importance of cultural differences, home languages, and the value of multilingual literacy and diverse library collections.

The special events include:

§  El Cajon Library (201 E Douglas): Saturday, April 13 from 12 – 3 p.m.  Kickoff Día and National Library Week with children’s author Mara Price as part of the library’s annual Multicultural Fiesta.

§  Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Dr): Wednesday, April 17 from 3:45 – 5 p.m.  Celebración Familiar Gratis!: Mexican bingo/Lotería, prizes and snacks

§  Fallbrook Library (124 S Mission Rd): Tuesday, April 30 at 3 p.m. Bilingual storytime with Javier Castillo, face painting, Circus Minimus/Circo de Títeres

§  Ramona Library (1275 Main St): Tuesday, April 30 from 3:30 – 6 p.m.  Captain Book and the Good Ship Literacy performance, Ramona del Sol Ballet Folklorico, Henna tattoos for teens, traditional paper flower making

For more information on Día, contact your local library or visit www.sdcl.org/dia.

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact