El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day)

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) has established an annual tradition of hosting El Día de los Niños / El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), also known as the Día, for the residents of the County. Día is a celebration of children, families, and reading. The event is a cultural festival sharing Hispanic arts and culture while promoting children’s literacy. In 2009 and 2010, Día was hosted as CCPL’s Meadowdale branch. This branch was selected due to a large concentration of Hispanics living in the area. In 2010, 2300 participants of all ages enjoyed the day-long event in addition to the services provided by the Meadowdale branch. Noted Mexican-American storyteller Gregorio Pedroza presented folktales and children’s stories in English and Spanish. Local Latin jazz band Trompikiimba provided an outdoor concert and Latin dancing instruction was available to all participants. Children enjoyed carnival games, piñatas, and book giveaways. Mexican food, local social agencies, the Richmond Kickers soccer team, and a variety of other community groups were invited to participate in the day. CCPL is in the process of planning to host the third annual Día at the end of April 2011.