El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros

On Sunday, May 4 from 1 to 3
p.m., the Waukegan Public Library will bring the characters and stories from
some of the best loved children’s books to life. The library’s annual El Dìa de
los Niños/El Dìa de los Libros family festival will feature games and
activities from classic and contemporary children’s books like
"The Hunger Games", "Mary Poppins", "Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory" and "Winnie the Pooh".

With a specific focus on books that were made into movies,
children can become their favorite characters and practice for the hunger games
with archery, darts, and knot tying, they can hunt for clues around the library
like Nancy Drew, make a mask of one of the characters in Winnie the Pooh, and toss
rings on Pinocchio’s growing nose. Families
will also have a chance to explore the Early Learning Center Transportation
exhibit and go for a ride in a caboose, fly a plane, and ride a bike.

Kirby the Kangaroo, the Great
Lakes Credit Union's mascot, will greet children along with Shrek and other
well-known book characters. Each family will sample fresh made ice cream from La
Michoacana Ice Cream parlor and take home free books.

Since summer is on its way,
adults and children can also sign up for the Summer Reading Club to win prizes
for reading during June, July, and August. Each child who signs up will take home
a Waukegan Public Library reading t-shirt, while supplies last.

“In the past, our El Dia
celebrations incorporated themes surrounding the environment, Earth Day, and
Latino culture. This year, we placed the focus on books so children can relate
to the classic stories they love through hands-on play,” said executive
director Richard Lee. “Hopefully this will inspire families to interact with
books in a fun and creative way at home.”

Last
year, the library’s El Dia event received a $500 honor award from Estela and Raúl Mora for an exemplary
culminating celebration of El Dìa de
los Niños/El Dìa de los Libros. Sponsors for this year’s event include La
Michoacana Ice Cream, the Great Lakes Credit Union, and Words on Wheels.

For more information about El Dia
de los Niños, contact Rena Morrow, Marketing and Exhibits Manager, at (847)
623-2041, ext. 231.