Dia de los Niños, Dia de los Libros at the Laredo Public Library
Written by admin, Apr 22, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Day-long event concludes with Poetry Festival celebration
(Laredo, TX ) Next Saturday, April 28, 2012, the Laredo Public Library will celebrate the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Niños, with a series of activities and events that celebrate the Mexican culture through the eyes of a child – in books, en libros.
Thanks in part to the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education and Arte Publico Press, a Houston-based publisher that publishes works by and about Latinos, the Laredo Public Library will welcome several award-winning Hispanic authors and educational leaders to focus on the stories and issues in education regarding la cultura.
“This should be a wonderful experience for our entire Laredo community: from young children to parents, and from teachers to young students, who can gain from this valuable experience the knowledge and comfort of our culture in images, in print, and as an educational tool,” said Maria G. Soliz, director of the Laredo Public Library. “I encourage everyone to come out to enjoy Dia de los Niños, Dia de los Libros, and celebrate this year’s best local poets; a great day to be at the Laredo Public Library.
The day kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a breakfast with the two featured authors, Diana Gonzales Bertrand and locally-based author Mary Sue Galindo (bios attached); it will be followed by lectures for the adults – parents and educators alike – and the children can enjoy the authors reading from their books and later, a puppet show. Throughout the day, various local agencies who provide services to the family in the community will have activities, giveaways, games and treats for all attendees. Arte Publico will also be selling various books from their roster of Hispanic authors. See itinerary below for more information.
On a sad note, one of the presenters scheduled to speak, Maria Antonia “Toni” Juarez, a native Lardoan and leader in education and literacy causes, and mother-in-law to Mary Sue Galindo, passed away last week. This event is dedicated in her memory.
Dia de los Niños, Dia de los Libros activities will conclude at 2 PM, when the 9th Annual Laredo Poetry Festival will begin, with readings by the top winners in each age group category.
The Laredo Public Library is located at 1120 East Calton Road. For more information, please contact 795-2400,x2225 or visit www.laredolibrary.org.
