By accepting the Association for Library Service to Children's invitation and registering their programs for the April 30 celebration, libraries build a national database that showcases all types and sizes of Día programming. This information will be shared with other librarians and the public interested in learning more about Día programs happening around the country.

CHICAGO —The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is inviting librarians to register their 2013 El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) programs in the 2013 National Día Program Registry.

By registering their Día programs held throughout the year in the national registry, libraries build a national database that showcases all types and sizes of Día programming. The information will display on the website, in both the map and database format, allowing you to share program information with other librarians and the public interested in learning more about Día programs happening around the country. Libraries that register will also receive Día stickers and bookmarks (while supplies last).

ALSC also is pleased to announce this year’s slogan Día: Diversity in Action. Día is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds. It is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures.

“As the most important celebration for multicultural children’s library services, Día truly is Diversity in Action,” said ALSCPresident Carolyn Brodie. “We’re proud to offer this registration as a way of promoting local events on a national level. With every registration, we’re showcasing the reach of Día, allowing ALSC to expand the experience and support of this great initiative.”

“Literacy is essential in democracy and what a diverse country we are,” said Dia founder Pat Mora. “Those of us lucky enough to be readers and wanting to share bookjoy can help link all children to books, languages and cultures through Día, day by day, día pro día. Promote your April Día celebration on this helpful ALSC registry. Help illustrate and generate Día excitement nationally.”

Libraries can register at the Día website, where ALSC also offers a resource guide, booklist and logos for download.

The Día celebration was founded in 1996 by children’s book author Pat Mora, who proposed conceptually linking the exisiting El Día del Niño with literacy. The founding partner of Día is REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. For more information on Día, please visit dia.ala.org.

ALSC is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit www.ala.org/alsc.