The King County Library System (KCLS) invites residents to celebrate 25 years of Día, also known as Children’s Day/Book Day (El Día del niño y del libro). Brought to the U.S. in 1996 by Mexican American author Pat Mora, Día is a nationally recognized initiative that connects children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures through activities at libraries and schools. Gov. Jay Inslee signed an official proclamation this year to recognize Día’s 25th Anniversary and the importance of reading.
The year-round initiative is a daily commitment to advance literacy development for all children that culminates on April 30. KCLS honors Día from April 24 to May 1 with online programming and events, as well as curated reading lists that highlight diversity. Residents can explore Día booklists and attend a series of special virtual events including Story Times with local celebrities—Univision Anchors Paula Lamas and Jaime Méndez—book clubs, games and more. Visit kcls.org/dia for a full list of programming and events.
“KCLS strives to create diverse and inclusive programming that reflects the culturally rich voices, languages and identities of King County,” stated KCLS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Dominica Myers. “We hope you will join us in celebrating Día’s 25th Anniversary to encourage children from all backgrounds to discover a lifelong love of reading and learning."
KCLS continues to serve King County communities during the pandemic through innovative online programming such as Día, in-building services at some locations and contactless Curbside to Go options. Learn more about how to connect with KCLS at kcls.org/visit, and check your library’s location page at kcls.org/locations to see what is available near you. Contact Ask KCLS for assistance at kcls.org/ask, or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600.
