It’s wonderful to see the variety of Día celebrations going on this month! Here are a few unique ones that caught our eye:

Jefferson High School Library, El Paso, Texas
Many elementary schools hold Día celebrations but it’s less likely to find them in the upper grades. The Día event at Jefferson is a celebration of literacy called “Ice Cream for Books.” All faculty, staff, students and their families are invited to enjoy free books (thanks to a grant from First Book), a literary fair, ice cream sandwiches, and arts and crafts.

Fort Bragg Library, Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Sometimes simple is best! On April 29, the library is offering a bilingual story time for military children and their families.

Arizona State University, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Department of English, Tempe, Arizona
The 2013 Mora Award winner ASU is hosting their 6th annual Día celebration on May 2! 625 middle and high school students from throughout Arizona will visit, hearing keynotes from authors René Saldaña and Isabel Quintero and from other authors presenting hands-on interactive literacy workshops. All students will receive a free book written by one of the featured keynote authors.
Watch the videos of the 5th annual celebration.

Griot in Greenville!, Greenville, Alabama
Through a partnership with the Alabama Touring Artist Program, the school will host “The Dancing Story Lady,” aka Deborah Ferguson, on Friday, May 6. She will present The Laughing River, an interactive show which includes storytelling, singing and dancing. Students will participate through snapping, clapping, singing, and group line dances. Our “griot” (African term for ‘storyteller’ or ‘teacher’) will demonstrate how dance, music, and storytelling are integral parts of the cultures found in Africa.

Homer Public Library, Homer, Alaska
The Homer Library’s Día celebration featured a Russian Language story time!