El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) is often called Día.
What is Día?
Día is a celebration every day of children, and of linking them to books. It culminates in celebrations each year on April 30 and emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Its goals are to honor children, languages and cultures; to encourage reading and literacy; and to promote library collections and programs that reflect our plurality.
When is Día celebrated?
Día can be celebrated every day, any day, but many celebrations conclude on or around April 30.
Who founded Día?
Pat Mora, award-winning poet and author of books for children, teens and adults, founded Día in 1996. REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, quickly became her enthusiastic partner.
Where is Día's national home?
Día is now housed at the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Libraries, schools, etc. plan their own celebrations illustrating their commitment to serve diverse families in their communities.
Where are Día celebrations held?
Most Día celebrations are held at public and school libraries but may also occur at bookstores, child care and community centers, museums, and right at home.
Is Día only for Latinos?
NO! Pat encourages planners of Día events to translate the words "Children's Day/Book Day" into the home languages in their community. As the librarians at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County say, "DÍA = Diversity in Action."
Where can I get more information about Día?
Information about Día's history, as well as celebration and programming ideas, can be found on this website; on the ALSC Día page; and on the REFORMA website. Links to other resources are on this site's Dia Resources page.
What is the Mora Award?
The Estela and Raúl Mora Award was established in 2000 by author Pat Mora and her family to honor their parents and to motivate libraries to celebrate "Día," El día de los niños/El día de los libros, Children's Day/Book Day on April 30th. Information about the award, a list of previous winners, and award guidelines are available on this site's Mora Award page.
