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PAST NEWS ARCHIVE
April 6, 2001
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Austin's Only Bilingual Celebration of Books, Reading, and Family Learning
Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros

Celebrate with us at Austin's 3rd Annual Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros, on Saturday, April 28, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Southeast Austin Community Branch of the Austin Public Library, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Road. Last year, an estimated 2,000 children and parents attended this unique community celebration; over 1,900 new free books were given to kids and families to support reading in the home. Since 1999, over 20 community organizations, more than 120 volunteers, and over a dozen public schools have worked together to make Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros a model collaborative partnership promoting books, reading, and family literacy. Honored for its success as an innovative, collaborative community outreach project, Austin's celebration has received several awards: Highsmith Award for community collaboration, Hotho Award for model family literacy outreach, REFORMA'S Mora Award, and ALA/School Library Journal and Gale Group's Giant Step Awards, as part of Austin Public Library's overall children's outreach efforts.

The celebration will include visiting authors from Mexico City, MARGARITA ROBLEDO MOGUEL, a renowned children's author of over 23 books; CARMEN TAFOLLA, a native of San Antonio, and award-winning poet, children's author, storyteller/performance artist, former professor, and educational consultant (see below for author bios). There will be entertainment for all ages including a teen poetry corner and drumming circle. Roaming performers and refreshments will also be part of the celebration. The event is free and the public is invited to attend. For more information about the celebration contact Deborah Coronado, Southeast Austin Community Branch Library, 462-1452.

Visiting Authors' Bios

MARGARITA ROBLEDO MOGUEL is the renowned children's author of over 23 books for children. She is also an accomplished musician from Mexico City. Her bilingual performances incorporate traditional Mexican music, children's games, and stories that encourage audience participation from children and parents. This is Ms. Robledo's third visit to Austin's Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros, and she is an audience favorite. Her visit is sponsored by Scott Foresman Educational Publishing, which provides textbooks used by many Austin schoolchildren.

CARMEN TAFOLLA: A native of San Antonio, Carmen Tafolla is an award-winning poet, children's author, storyteller/performance artist, former professor, and educational consultant; her most recent title for children is The Baby Coyote and the Old Woman / El Coyotito y la Viejita. A dynamic, much-sought performer, Ms. Tafolla's Austin visit will include a workshop at Americo Paredes Middle School and readings at Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros. Tafolla has authored four books of poetry, including her latest, "Sonnets and Salsa"; seven television screenplays; a book on racism, sexism, and Chicana women; and numerous short stories, articles, and children's books. Author Alex Haley once called Tafolla a "world-class writer." Her visit is co-sponsored by the UT Center for Mexican American Studies.

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