Niños’ Day at the library

By Melissa Ebberts
Adelante staff writer

Columbia Public Library

Bring your listening ears, grab your family and friends and take a seat in the Program Room of the Columbia Public Library’s Children’s Area for El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day).
El Día de los Niños is traditionally a Latin American holiday but has been observed in the United States since April 30, 1998.
The day is designated for parents, families and communities to uplift Latino children, as well as all other children.
The Association for Library Service for Children (ALSC) has taken the holiday a step further by promoting literacy among children regardless of linguistic or cultural background.
ALSC is working with the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA) to increase programs, fairs and other educational activities among the nation’s libraries for Día de los Niños.
Sarah Howard, children’s librarian at Columbia Public Library and coordinator for the event, asked volunteer Beatriz Chinn to help create the evening of singing songs, sharing stories and playing games like “Simon Says” in Spanish and English. Howard said the event is aimed at families with children in the preschool age range.
The library sponsored a similar program two years ago. Chinn said she hopes that this will be one of many events aimed at bringing together members of the Spanish-speaking community with those who speak only English.
“Start with the kids,” Chinn said. “You have to be diversified. That’s what America is all about.”
El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. on April 30. Registration for the free program began on April 15.
To register, call the Columbia Public Library at (573) 443-3161. The library is at 100 W. Broadway in Columbia.