The Colusa County Free Library hosts a variety of annual programs, each meaningful in its own way, but Día de los niños/día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, remains a favorite. Celebrated each year on or around April 30, Día is a nationally recognized initiative that honors children while connecting them and their families to Spanish-language books and culture.
Día was founded by author and poet Pat Mora, who was inspired after learning about Children’s Day, a holiday established in Mexico and other countries following the 1925 World Conference for the Well-Being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland. Children’s Day recognizes the importance of children in society and promotes their health, happiness, and future. Mora saw a natural connection between a child’s well-being and literacy, believing deeply in the transformative power of language and stories.
Having grown up in a bilingual household, Mora also emphasized the importance of representation. A central goal of Día is to ensure that all children can see themselves reflected in the stories they read, with their cultures and home languages valued and celebrated. With support from REFORMA (the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking), Día celebrations began in 1997 and have since grown into hundreds of “book fiestas” held in libraries and schools across the country.
The Colusa County Free Library will host its annual Día celebration on Thursday, April 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature performances by the Williams High School Mariachi Band and Patria Insurgente Ballet Folklórico. Attendees will also enjoy a bilingual story time and a hands-on craft activity.
To end the evening on a sweet note, participants will receive a refreshing paleta as they leave the library, a small treat to carry the celebration home.
Join us for an evening filled with music, stories, culture, and community as we celebrate children, literacy, and the joy of reading. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Colusa County Free Library.