Thursday, April 25, 2013

Dia De Los Ninos 2013


Back in 1996, El Paso-born author Pat Mora, proposed to create a Children's Day event celebrating children, literacy and bilingualism. A year later, with the assistance of REFORMA (National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos & the Spanish-Speaking), a new holiday was created: El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Day of the children/Day of the books). El Paso, along with Austin, Sante Fe and Tucson, were the first American cities to host celebrations. Now, over 300 libraries across the nation are planning activities that promote literacy and diversity.

El Paso's 17th annual celebration of literacy and health, to be held this Saturday, is changing its venue from Washington Park to three locations. The Main Library, Esperanza Moreno Branch and Dorris Van Doren Branch will have their own Dia festivals where children can receive a free book and enjoy games, activities and live entertainment.

Each year, we hope to encourage children and parents to become more physically active and to read more. Studies show that reading is one of the most important activities in which a child can take part and is one of the primary variables in the academic and career success of young people.

Children will have the opportunity to sign up for Club Rec and library cards. All events will be free and open to the public. In addition, all bus rides for kids will be free to and from the event all day courtesy of Sun Metro. For more information visit call 543-5480.

Here's what the Dorris Van Doren Branch will have scheduled Saturday, April 27, from 12-4 pm:

  • Free book distribution
  • Games and crafts for kids throughout the day
  • A Teen Hangout area
  • Jumping balloon 
  • Booths represented by various organizations featuring family history, a bubble station, face painting and more.
Entertainment:
  • 12:00 pm FM Junkies Band
  • 12:30 pm Western Hills Chinese Cultural Program
  • 2:00 pm Combo #5 Band
  • 3:00 pm Movie Matinee
  • 3:00 pm Theatrical Performance – Excerpt from Midsummer Night’s Dream
...and while you're here, check out our spring and poetry month decorations!
Our intern, Lizzie painting the Poetree onto the window.
The Poetree