Policy Briefs

SENATE BILL 118, (current)
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HOUSE BILL 156, (current)
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Governor's 2009 Proclamation (coming soon)

Synopsis
El Día de Los Niños (Día) is an annual celebration held on April 30^th which honors and commemorates children and their importance in society. The celebration underlines fundamental values that help to promote the nurturing and caring of children, such as family involvement in the lives of their children, improvement of child literacy, acceptance of multiculturalism, and celebration of cultural heritage.

Current Status in Ohio
Like most other states, Ohio’s libraries have taken the initiative in promoting Día de los Niños. In 2009, a survey of Ohio's libraries revealed that at least fifteen libraries had Día related programming or events.  Furthermore, four cities in Ohio, Willard, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus are registered with the National Latino Children’s Institute and official El Día de los Niños (Day of the Child) sites

In past years Ohio Governors have issued proclamations recognizing the day.  The most recent example was in April 2009, when Governor Strickland also proclaimed the importance and impact that Día has on Ohio communities.

Current Status in Neighboring States
INDIANA:  There is no legislation that addresses El Día de Los Niños.  Elkhart, Indianapolis, and Lafayette are official Día sites.

KENTUCKY:  There is no legislation that addresses El Día de Los Niños. 

MICHIGAN:  There is no legislation declaring April 30th as El Día de Los Niños. However, in 2001, the Michigan House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 86, a resolution designating April 30th of 2001 “Día de los Niños." Lansing and Westland are offficial Día sites.

PENNSYLVANIA:  There is no legislation that addresses El Día de Los Niños. Philadelphia is an offficial Día site.

WEST VIRGINIA:  There is no legislation that addresses El Día de Los Niños. Shelton is an offficial Día site.

Current Status across United States
Currently, Florida, Texas, Idaho and California are considered to be “Día States”, or states where El Día de los Niños is supported at the state level. These respective states have established websites through their state libraries that help promote El Día de los Niños. These websites provide tools for librarians and community organizers on how to plan and implement Día programming and events.

History

In 1925, the first “World Conference for the Well Being of Children” in Geneva, Switzerland urged the nations of the world to set aside a day for the celebration of children and the promotion of their good health.

Many countries in Latin America celebrate this day on April 30th. In the United States, the first Día programs were held in El Paso, Texas; Tucson, Arizona; and Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1997.

How It Is Celebrated
Celebrations across the United States are varied in size and structure but adhere to the central purpose of the holiday.  Smaller events at local libraries may include bilingual story hours, book displays, and/or author visits.  Larger events usually arise from the efforts of the local library but extend to the whole community. Various sponsorships are acquired through local businesses, municipal governments, police departments, fire departments, schools, etc. These events may involve arts and crafts workshops, face painting, musical performances, exhibits, book giveaways, and more.

Links to Interested Parties' Websites

• American Library Association
• National Latino Children's Institute
• Pat Mora
• REFORMA