by Jess Shelleman
El día de los niños/El día de los libros, also known as Children’s Day/Book Day, or simply just Día, is an initiative of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children), a division of the ALA (American Library Association). Día is a celebration of children, families, and reading and a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children of all backgrounds. Celebrated annually on April 30, Día strives to encourage literacy development through books that represent all languages and cultures and to connect children and their families to these diverse books. Not simply a one-day event, Día recognizes that we should celebrate children and literacy all year long and connect children to the world through the books they read.
Children’s literacy is of utmost importance to the healthy development of a child. In fact, several studies have shown that children who are read to consistently at home during their first five years of life will enter Kindergarten having been exposed to over one million more words than those children who are not read to (known as the million-word gap). That is not an insignificant number. Not only does reading with children better prepare them to learn to read and write in school, but those early literacy skills they’re developing help to build confidence, develop socialization skills, and develop independence both in and out of the classroom. While it’s important to read to children, it’s almost equally important to read a diverse selection of books to children of all ages and as Día encourages, to connect children to the world through books.
When discussing diversity in children’s literature, we often use the term “windows and mirrors.”The term “windows and mirrors” was first used by educator Emily Styles in 1988. Put simply, a “mirror” book is one in which you can see yourself, whereas a “window” book allows you to see into the lives of those who are different from you. In this vast and diverse world of many cultures, it’s important to introduce children to different cultures, as well as for children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Adams County Library System, as well as all libraries, endeavor to fill their shelves with a variety of diverse books to both encourage early literacy and expose children to stories that are both windows and mirrors.
Right now, through the end of April, ACLS is encouraging donations specifically to promote early literacy. Coinciding with National Library Giving Day (April 3) and National Library Week (April 7 – April 13), our “Plant the Seed of Literacy!” campaign is focused on expanding and enriching our collection of early literacy materials. If you’re interested in donating, please go to https://www.adamslibrary.org/librarygivingday.
Jess Shelleman is Branch Manager at the Littlestown Library, part of the Adams County Library System.