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CHICAGO – On April 30, hundreds of libraries nationwide will celebrate the 25th anniversary of . This nationally recognized initiative emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds by linking children and families to multicultural books, stories, and other library resources.

Children's librarians are transforming lives by offering resources that challenge bigotry and cultural invisibility. As our nation becomes more polarized and misconceptions regarding various cultures are in the limelight, librarians and library workers are on the front lines of fueling understanding through education and diverse literature.

Children must have access to books and resources that reflect their culture and language. Experts say a lack of diversity in children’s books can be harmful to the social and identity development of children, particularly those representing cultures with untold stories.

Library staff recognize and respect culture, heritage, and language as powerful tools for building unity and strengthening families and communities. As information experts, librarians nurture cognitive and literacy development in ways that honor and embrace a child's home language and culture.

Since its inception in 1996, Día, also known as El día de Los niños/El día de Los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), celebrates children, families, and reading all year long, culminating annually on April 30. Día celebrations consist of multicultural events, including family programs, bilingual story hours, book giveaways, and a host of other fun activities.

Día is an enhancement of Children's Day, which started in 1925 and was designated as a day to bring attention to children's importance and well-being. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children's book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy to found Día.

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the 91´«Ã½, is the national home for Día. The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA) is a founding partner of the initiative.

Additional information and Día resources such as multicultural booklists, customizable event posters, map of participating libraries, and other resources are available at .

ALSC is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children.  With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers, and educational faculty, ALSC members are committed to engaging communities to build healthy, successful futures for all children. To learn more about ALSC, visit their website at ;

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