91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - The to help libraries and families celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) is now available. Containing more than 200 titles, the list features books for those who speak English and Spanish, as well as for those who speak Afghani, French, Hindi, Michif, Russian, Swahili and Vietnamese.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the observance also known as Día, a celebration every day of children, families and reading that culminates every year on April 30. Libraries across the country will host Día celebrations with family programs, including bilingual story hours, book giveaways and other literacy driven events.

The new book list and list of websites are part of a brochure for parents with tips on reading to and with their children. The brochure also features information on the many resources offered by the library. The websites include information on the following cultures: African American, Asian Pacific, Chinese, and Native American.

The book list is a collaborative effort, produced by members of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the 91´«Ã½, and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. REFORMA is the Founding Partner of Dia.



Dia is sponsored by ALSC, and is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy, resulting in El día de los niños/El día de los libros.

The list is available for download on the Día website at . Local library events may be found on the Dia website; and click on Dia Map.

ALSC is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,200 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit their website at .

Established in 1971 as an affiliate of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), REFORMA has actively sought to promote the development of library collections to include Spanish-language and Latino oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff; the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population in regards to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving the interests of Latinos.