San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Public Library and Department of Early Childhood invites families to the 24th Annual Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros festival on Sunday, April 30 from 12 – 4 p.m. at Parque Niños Unidos on 23rd and Folsom Streets. Día celebrates the importance of literacy for children from all backgrounds and welcomes children and their families to enjoy an afternoon filled with music, activities and free books.

This year marks the 24th Anniversary of Día and there is an exciting line-up of fun and entertainment. Children can climb aboard the bookmobile, make art, pick out their favorite book, meet new friends and explore the playground. Performers include Danza Azteca Xitlalli – Xolotl and the bubble magic of Big Top Bubbles. The event closes with the music of La Familia Peña Govea. In between all the festivities, DJ Pakí Payá will be playing tunes for all to enjoy.

“Día de los Niños is one of the Library’s all-time favorite, beloved events, bringing together the community in an incredibly joyful way. There’s truly a kind of indescribable magic in the air when families come out to the park to play and celebrate kids, reading and books,” says Hillary Ake, Early Learning Coordinator at San Francisco Public Library.

Día de los Niños is a Mexican holiday that has grown throughout Latin America and recognizes the importance and influence of children in society.  In 1997, the first Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros was celebrated in New Mexico, bringing together the idea of honoring children and promoting literacy by celebrating their language, culture and books.  Since then, the celebration has grown nationally and has been observed by the San Francisco Public Library since 1999.

Children are invited to build their home libraries with the onsite book giveaways and enjoy activities, provided by generous San Francisco community agencies, especially from the local Mission neighborhood.  Each agency has thoughtfully planned an activity for children to interact with while their grown-ups gather much needed information to support families in San Francisco.

Event:              Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros

Date:               Sunday, April 30, 2023

Time:               12 – 4 p.m. 

Location:          Parque Niños Unidos, 23rd and Folsom Street

Schedule:       

• 12 p.m. – Sensory Friendly Family Time (no amplified sound at this time for individuals with auditory sensitivity)
• 12:30 p.m. – Danza Azteca Xitlalli-Xolotl
• 1 p.m. – Big Top Bubbles
• 2:30 p.m. – La Familia Peña Govea

Featuring DJ Pakípayá

Cost:                Free

Preview:          Día video

Photo opps:     Performers, bookmobile, families celebrating

Día is presented in partnership by San Francisco Public Library, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, and the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood. It brings together community organizations with a passion for literacy and youth including Good Samaritan Family Resource Center, Mission Promise Neighborhood, Felton Institute, Tandem Partners in Early Learning, Native American Health Center and the San Francisco Early Literacy Network.