REFORMA Honors Two Libraries

By SLJ Staff -- School Library Journal, 10/29/2008

REFORMA, the National Association To Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, has selected two winners of the 2008 Estela and Raúl Mora Award for promoting this year’s April 30 El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros in their library systems.

The Riverside County Library System (RCLS) in California and the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) in North Carolina each will receive $1,000 and a plaque commemorating their efforts.

RCLS held a series of special events honoring books, libraries, and reading for children throughout the library’s 33 branches during the month of April. These programs included bilingual story hours, poetry programs, storytelling, crafts, and cultural programs.

This year’s event also included appearances by children’s authors Lucia González , Pat Mora, and folksinger and storyteller Suni Paz.

PLCMC collaborated with many community organizations, including Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, WTVI Television, Children’s Theatre, and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.

Each branch hosted programs throughout the month of April. Día activities included an appearance by author Yuyi Morales, bilingual story times, free children’ books, dance performances, storytelling from various cultures, educational workshops, and a children’s art contest.