The El Paso Public Libraries and the Parks and Recreation Department invite the community to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros next weekend.
The anniversary celebration is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 1, at different locations throughout the City.
The event started in 1997 at the behest of El Paso-born author and educator, Pat Mora, who called on schools, libraries, and other organizations around the country to celebrate Children’s Day with an emphasis on reading and learning.
The El Paso Public Libraries and Parks and Recreation answered the call by organizing a joint event at the Armijo Library and Recreation Center in 1997. To date, the event has given away more than 250,000 books to children living in the El Paso area.
“How exciting that on May 1, the public library in my home city, the El Paso Public Library, is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Children’s Day, Book Day,” Mora said. “El Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros is a daily national initiative. Support the El Paso Public Library every day of the year.”
To observe the milestone, free books will be available (while supplies last) at the following locations:
- Chamizal Community Center and Library, 2119 Cypress Ave
- Downtown Artist and Farmer’s Market, 117 Anthony St.
- Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg
- Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center, 3001 Parkwood St. at Album Park
- Valle Bajo Community Center and Library, 7380 Alameda Ave.
- Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Dr.
- The Bookmobile at The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Dr.
Visitors may stop by the listed locations to pick up books. Current COVID-19 safety guidelines remain in place, including the use of a face covering, physical distancing and temperature checks.
The City departments will provide virtual programing on their social media sites leading up to, and on the day of the event.
All books and other promotional items given away during Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros are provided through private donations from the following sponsors: The Great Khalid Foundation, Whataburger, Chick-fil-A on North Mesa and TMCEC.
