Local libraries celebrate children's literacy April 29

BREWSTER/BRIDGEPORT/PATEROS - The Brewster, Bridgeport, and Pateros branches of NCW Libraries will jointly celebrate the importance of children’s literacy with fun activities and mariachi music on Saturday, April 29.

El dia de los ninos/el dia de los libros will be from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Brewster Boys and Girls Club, 601 West Cliff Ave. This event is free and open to the public.

Día is a nationally recognized initiative that is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures.

Michelle Orozco, branch librarian for the Bridgeport Public Library, explained that in 1996 poet Pat Mora learned of El día del niño/Children's Day, which is a Mexican custom celebrated on April 30. She wanted to celebrate Children's Day here in the United States too, but she wanted to join it together with reading. That's how Children's Day/Book Day (El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros) got started.

“This is the first year that the Pateros/Bridgeport/Brewster branches of NCW Libraries have decided to work together to put this event on,” Orozco said. “We are hoping it will encourage our communities to come and work together and see how literacy is so important. Developing good readers will make for lifelong learners."

The event will include the following activities, which serve to connect the public to resources and opportunities that celebrate culture and literacy: 

• Mini piñata craft station
• Crown decorating station
• Free picture book per child*
• Guessing jar and raffle prizes
• Informational booths
• Library lotería
• Special appearance by Mariachi Noroeste
• Pan dulce and hot chocolate*

*While supplies last