Dí to Introduce Diverse Cultures to Children, Families

“As the nation’s population continues to become more diverse, hundreds of libraries will bring children, books, languages and cultures together for national El de los niños/El dí de los libros Childrens Day/Book Day, also known as Dí, on April 30. Dí celebrates the importance of advocating literacy for every child, regardless of linguistic and cultural background. Target is the official 2007 national sponsor of Dí.

Library use is up nationwide among all types of library users, continuing a decade-long trend. In 2006 almost 1.8 billion visitors checked out more than 2 billion items. The development of multilingual library collections and programs for families continues to increase, and Internet literacy programs for those who speak languages other than English are becoming more prevalent.

Libraries across the country will showcase their various multicultural programs and services through Dí celebrations. Dí events will support literacy and bridge cultures through bilingual book displays and story hours; family literacy fairs; bilingual writing projects and programs that will encourage parents to inspire their children to read.

“Dí will provide children and families with an opportunity to explore new worlds,” said Kathleen Horning, president, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association. “Libraries are the perfect family destination, offering parents and children an opportunity to explore the world through multicultural book collections, diverse cultural programs and free access to the Web.”

As hundreds of celebrations are underway, eight Dí Super Sites will host a series of special programs and services sponsored by Target. Dí Super Sites include a variety of communities who have a proven track record for producing outstanding Dí celebrations for their communities.

“Target recognizes that reading is a foundation for lifelong learning, so we’re excited to be a part of this year’s Dí festivities,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “Together with ALSC and the Super Site libraries, we are committed to supporting this cultural celebration and keeping children engaged in reading year round.”

Dí 2007 Super Sites include El Paso (Texas) Public Library, Hennepin County (Minn.) Library, Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County (N.C.), Queens (N.Y.) Public Library, Riverside County (Calif.) Library System, Broward County (Fla.) Library System, Providence (R.I.) Public Library, and Phoenix (Ariz.) Public Library. Local Target employees will volunteer at Super Site locations across the country.

Dí honors children, their languages and culture; encourages reading and literacy; and promotes library collections and programs that reflect the country’s changing populations. For multicultural book lists and tips on how to encourage children to read, please visit the Dí Web site at www.ala.org/dia.

ALSC is the national center for Dí. Through a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, ALSC is working with other national organizations, such as REFORMA: the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, to initiate communication and education efforts that promote Dí to families across the United States.

About The Association for Library Service to Children
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) develops and supports the profession of children’s librarianship by enabling and encouraging its practitioners to provide the best library service to our nation’s children. ALSC provides leadership to the profession and public on behalf of high quality library services that support children in becoming lifelong learners.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,487 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

About The American Library Association
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 64,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. “

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