Register your Día event with ALSC!

CHICAGO - It’s here! 2011 marks the 15-year anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros, called Día, the celebration of children, books, reading and culture. While Día doesn't happen until April 30, the time has come to start planning your Día event. Start now by registering your event!

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has set up a database for Día events. By registering your event with ALSC you are adding to the collective heritage of Día celebrations around the country. You’re also helping inspire other libraries to host their own Día events. Día programs typically include story times, picnics, guest speakers or festivals. All libraries registering their event will receive free Día stickers. After you register your event, check out the programs going on around you. A map features state-by-state programs.

Día is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well-being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy to found El día de los niños/El día de los libros. The event is supported by ALSC and REFORMA, the professional organization for Spanish-speaking librarians and information specialists. To learn more about El día de los niños/El día de los libros, please visit the Día homepage.

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), 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 ALSC’s website at www.ala.org/alsc.