“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”― Albert Einstein
The annual Day of the Books/ El Día de los Libros is coming up on Saturday, April 29th, ready to bring books to life and delight in both knowledge and imagination with children of all ages.
According to Erin Suwattana of the Chatham County Partnership for Children, ”The Day of the Books/ El Día de los Libros started out very small nearly 15 years ago, just reaching out to a few families in the community. With the help of the Chatham Arts Council, its grown to over 300 participants. There are many folks who come back every year.
“The festival attracts people from all backgrounds, but particularly many hispanic families. In several Latin American countries, they have a holiday called the Day of the Children. Many years ago, there was a librarian in California and she wanted to bring the holiday to the U.S. She wanted it to be all about literacy because she said, ‘The well-being of children is what we’re promoting and celebrating and what better way to celebrate it than promoting their ability to read and be successful in life.’ So she turned it into the Day of the Books and it spread all over the country.”
“From the very beginning it’s been bilingual—all families are welcome and all families have access to what’s going on. Every child that shows up receives a book that’s bilingual—English and Spanish—that is appropriate for their age. In addition to that, we’ll have a whole big bunch of books—new and used kids books—that they can fill up a bag with.”
Over the years, as it’s grown, the Chatham County Partnership for Children has been able to add an emphasis on the arts. “Originally we started out with peformances and then we realized we wanted to get artists to come and engage kids in hands on activities.” The day is a dynamic experience that connects children’s imagination and creativity with reading.
Day of the Books / El Día de los Libros includes singing, dancing, performances, and workshops. You’ll find everything from the folk music of Flor y Canto, circus performers from Imagine Circus striding up to greet you, rock painting with Sarah Roberson and many more surprises…and reading! It’s an adventure for the entire family—a lively celebration of imagination, expression, and heart…a Chatham County treasure.
The Chatham Arts Council is delighted to have chosen the Chatham County Partnership for Children’s Day of the Books / El Día de los Libros as a recipient of a Grassroots Arts Grant. Grassroots Arts Grants are made possible through funding from the North Carolina Arts Council.
Go See This: Day of the Books / El Día de los Libros
Event Host: Chatham County Partnership for Children
When: Saturday, April 29th, from 10am to 2pm
Location: Bray Park in Siler City
Is the event appropriate for children? Yes! It’s a festival for children of all ages and their families.
Is the event accessible: Yes
Admission: FREE
For more info: www.chathamkids.org / 919-542-6644 ext.12
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