CSMCL
Center for the Study of
Multicultural Children's Literature
Día de los libros Winners
CSMCL 2018 Día Grant winner with an African American Focus:
sdsdsZion Benton Public Library (Zion, IL).
Zion Benton Public Library was the winner of the 2018 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). Zion Benton’s Día program titled: All-Ages Family Storytime, invited children in the community to attend Storytime to expose them to Afro-Latin stories read by favorite local teachers and community members. The children received a “story pass” where they could turn in for a free bag of books to take home. Home libraries are an essential part of establishing early literacy and a lifelong love of books.
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CSMCL 2018 Día Grant winner with an African American Focus:
sdsdsLogan Heights Branch Library, San Diego Public Library (San Diego, CA).
Logan Heights Branch Library, San Diego Public Library, was the winner of the 2018 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día theme of Logan Height Branch Library’s program: Legacy of Our Community: African American Artists from San Diego began with a storytime session with African American and art themed materials. The event culminated in a show-and-tell where each participant showcased their body of work. The following activities included: a brief introduction of artists featured in the Legacy of Black art exhibition, storytime and craft activities that utilized particular techniques by the artist to create their own creations. Participants were assisted by members of LOUD, an art collective of professional artists, writers, and art educators of San Diego.
CSMCL
Día de los libros Winners
CSMCL 2024 Día Grant Winners with an African American Focus:
Charles County Public Library (La Plata, MD)
Charles County Public Library (LaPlata, MD) was the winner of the 2024 Día Grant with an African American Focus, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día theme of Charles County Public Library was: “El Día de Los Niños/El Día de Los Libros Community Story Time.” The purpose of the program was to celebrate the diversity in their global and local community through early childhood literacy. Charles County Public Library’s Mobile Library hosted the program at the La Plata Farmers Market. Library staff read stories that reflected the African American experience which also incorporated the theme of community. Storytime was followed by craft time and a tour of the Mobile Library to check out additional books with an African American focus. Thanks to Shannon Bland, Development Manager, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
North Miami Public Library (North Miami, FL)
North Miami Public Library (North Miami, FL) was the winner of the 2024 Día Grant with an African American Focus, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día theme of
Miami Public Library was: “Día Pajama Fun: Enjoying African American Music, Art, and Games.” The purpose of the program was to showcase African Americans’ rich and varied contributions to music, art, and games and to promote literacy learning and community engagement. The event was held at the Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida where participants were encouraged to wear their pajamas and to explore the library’s collection of children’s books and materials by Black authors and artists and participate in crafts and activities inspired by their work.
Thanks to Shaunterria Owens, Youth Services Specialist, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
CSMCL 2023 Día Grant Winners with an African American Focus:
El Segundo Public Library ( El Segundo, California)
El Segundo Public Library (El Segundo, California) was the winner of the 2023 Día Grant with an African American Focus, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día theme of El Segundo Public Library was: “Thankful for My Community.” The program included a story time featuring Oge Mora’s book titled, Thank You Omu!, which was read by a library staff member. Using the Pot of Thankfulness concept, the presentation demonstrated how Omu generously fed her community, and how her kindness and generosity were infectious throughout the community. Participants were then led around the library and were encouraged to reflect on who or what they were thankful for in their community. They also drew expressions of gratitude with chalk on the nearby park’s sidewalks. At the conclusion of the Día program, each participant was given their own copy of Thank You Omu. Thanks to Julie Todd, Senior Librarian wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
flyer promoting the event
student drawings of the "pot of thankfulness."
flyer promoting the event
Cumberland County Library (Bridgeton, New Jersey).
Cumberland County Library (Bridgeton, New Jersey) won the 2023 Día Grant with an African American Focus, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día theme of Cumberland County Library was: “My Exquisite Día Family.” The program introduced the book, Exquisite: The Poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks, by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera to the participating families from the community. The three-day event consisted of activities geared to highlight the exquisite qualities of their own lives. Participants created their own poems, which were mounted on poster boards in the library. The concluding event was a reception where the participants had the opportunity to read their poems to their families, which were recorded. The families were provided a link to the recording on the Library’s YouTube page. Thanks to Terri Carpenter, Head of Youth Services, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
Download the bilingual flyers.
CSMCL 2022 Día Grant Winners with an African American Focus:
Annistown Elementary School Library Media Center (Snellville, Georgia)
Annistown Elementary School Library Media Center (Snellville, GA) was the winner of the 2022 Día Grant with an African American Focus, sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). Annistown’s Día program theme was titled, “The Power of Words,” Which centered around exposing students to literature with African American characters and/or authors. Students had the opportunity to use their voice through writing reviews of unknown books wrapped in paper to “hook” a reader into wanting to read the book.
Students in grades five wrote short reviews to entice their fourth-grade colleagues to select these books to read. The books were displayed throughout the library media center where students gathered to preview the books. Based on the written reviews, fourth grade students voted on their top three books.
The number one book will be purchased for the student who wrote the review and his/her review will be displayed on the school’s social media pages and showcased on the school’s monthly principal’s newsletter for the school-wide community. Everyone enjoyed the Día event and look forward to next year’s activity. Tracy Clarke, Instructional Coach wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
CSMCL 2021 Día Grant Winners with an African American Focus:
Leanna Hicks Public Library (Inkster, Michigan)
Leanna Hicks Public Library (Inkster, MI) was the winner of the 2021 Día Grant with an African American Focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). Leanna Hicks’ Día program theme was titled, “Be an Ancient King or Queen.” Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the library had to alter its program by using various literacy tools (talking, playing reading, and singing) to inform, engage, and
stretch the boundaries. In addition, patrons who visited the in-person program participated in a raffle/scavenger hunt. Questions were presented to patrons and the winner was awarded a raffle prize. The raffle prize was a collection of children’s books from the series titled, Africa’s Little King and Queens by Kunda Kids. Thanks to Karen Robertson Henry, Youth Teen Services Librarian, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
La Puerta Abierta Learning Center School (Santiago Atitlán,
Guatemala)
La Puerta Abierta Learning Center School (Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala) was the winner of the 2021 Día Grant with an African American Focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). La Puerta Abierta Learning Center’s Día program theme was titled, “Cultivando Diversidad Inclusion (Growing Diversity, Harvesting Inclusion).” Stories and interactive activities were shared including a variety of picture books that represented African Americans and African Latinx diaspora including Letras al Carbón by Irene Vasco, Manuela Color Canela by Elena Dreser, We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands by Rafael López, and more. Students had the
opportunity to enjoy books with diverse representation of characters. One grade was chosen to create a big book that reflected the school’s theme, which was displayed in a prominent space in their local park. The program culminated with a puppet show by Titeres Raxwach, who presented Raam Ixiim (Heart of Corn), a traditional story of corn sisters of different colors (red, white, yellow, and blue) to a virtual audience. Thanks to Amanda Flayer, Director of Professional Development, who wrote the grant
and coordinated the event.
CSMCL 2019 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Maple School Library (East Hampton, MA)
Maple School Library was the winner of the 2019 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día theme of Maple School Library was titled, "Caribbean Poetry: Un Viaje de los Sentidos." The two-day event ensured that all students had the opportunity to participate in the program. Students were provided the opportunity to explore Caribbean culture via the five senses which included creation of drums to explore rhythm in poetry, exploring imagery and geography of place through artistic opportunities such as collage, watercolor and pastels and writing poetry original poetry was inspired by Caribbean writers and musicians. Traditional foods and music reinforced connections to the culture and heritage. The Día event was held on April 23 and 24, 2019. Thanks to Jaclyn Janulewicz and Jodi Alatalo, who wrote the grant and organized the event.
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CSMCL 2019 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Boyertown Community Library (Boyertown, PA)
Boyertown Community Library was the winner of the 2019 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día event theme for Boyertown Community Library program was titled, "Families Read together with Special Guest Author, Pamela Tuck." The program served as a launching point for a monthly Día family book club. Special guest author Pamela Tuck presented her book, As Fast as Words Could Fly to the children and shared her work in progress. She led families in a storytelling activity and made simple books for participants to keep.
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CSMCL 2019 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Athens-Clark County Library-Athens Regional Library System (Athens, GA)
Athens-Clark County Library was the winner of the 2019 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). Athens-Clark County Library presented their program titled, "Día Celebration! Omu and Her Storytime Stew Cooking Class: Community Building through African American Cooking and Literature." Using the Award-winning children’s book, Thank You Omu! as the centerpiece of the program, special guest Culinary Literacy Chief, Shawanada Johnson taught the children how to make classic stew like Omu, in the book. The program culminated with the children experiencing traditional African American folk rhymes and creating paper stew collages in the style Oge Mora’s illustrations in the book. The Día event was held on April 27, 2019, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Thanks to Evan Bush, Children’s Services Coordinator, who coordinated the event.
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CSMCL 2018 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Boston Public Library, Connolly Branch (Boston, MA)
Boston Public Library, Connolly Branch was the winner of the 2018 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). Boston Public Library, Connolly Branch, in collaboration with Egleston Square Main Street presented their program titled, "Neighborhood Literacy: Connecting Libraries, Hair Salons and Barbershops as Literacy and Confidence Centers," by first making books available in local black-owned barbershops and hair salons and conducting read-aloud of books at prominent school bus stops. Second phase, Barbershop Hair Salon Storytime, took place in local barbershops and hair salons where special guest read from award winning children’s books. At its conclusion, the children created their own identity crowns. Thanks to Librarian Sujei Lugo who wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
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CSMCL 2018 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
sdsdsLogan Heights Branch Library, San Diego Public Library (San Diego, CA)
Logan Heights Branch Library, San Diego Public Library, was the winner of the 2018 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The Día theme of Logan Height Branch Library’s program titled, "Legacy of Our Community: African American Artists from San Diego," began with a storytime session with African American and art themed materials. The event culminated in a show-and-tell where each participant showcased their body of work. The following activities included: a brief introduction of artists featured in the Legacy of Black art exhibition, storytime and craft activities that utilized particular techniques by the artist to create their own creations. Participants were assisted by members of LOUD, an art collective of professional artists, writers, and art educators of San Diego.
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CSMCL 2018 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
sdsdsZion Benton Public Library (Zion, IL)
Zion Benton Public Library was the winner of the 2018 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). Zion Benton’s Día program titled, "All-Ages Family Storytime," invited children in the community to attend Storytime to expose them to Afro-Latin stories read by favorite local teachers and community members. The children received a “story pass” where they could turn in for a free bag of books to take home. Home libraries are an essential part of establishing early literacy and a lifelong love of books. Thanks to Mariel Patino, Youth Service Associate, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
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CSMCL 2017 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Alturas International Academy (Idaho Falls, ID)
Alturas International Academy in Idaho Falls, Idaho, was the winner of the 2017 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The program’s theme titled, “Beauty in the World: Celebrating Día.” The students spent three weeks researching notable African Americans whose contributions have made the world a better place and who inspire them in some way. Students presented their research in the form of projects as the culminating Dia program. Their Día program, El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), was held on April 27, 2017. Thanks to Christina Barber, Spanish Teacher, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event. The library received a grant of $500 of selected multicultural children's books from the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL).
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CSMCL 2017 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
sdsdsQuinby Street Resource Center Library (Sharon, PA)
Woodward Elementary School in Delaware, Ohio, was the winner of the 2016 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The program’s theme titled, “African American History through Books and Music,” was a collaboration with multiple classroom students exploring biographies of African American musicians and learning about the challenges they faced and the contributions and significance of their work on today’s society. Their Día program, El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), was held on April 25 - 29, 2016. Thanks to Caroline Molnar, Library Media and Technology Coordinator, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event. The library received a grant of $500 of selected multicultural children's books from the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL).
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CSMCL 2016 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
sdsdsWoodward Elementary School (Delaware, OH)
Woodward Elementary School in Delaware, Ohio, was the winner of the 2016 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The program’s theme titled, “African American History through Books and Music,” was a collaboration with multiple classroom students exploring biographies of African American musicians and learning about the challenges they faced and the contributions and significance of their work on today’s society. Their Día program, El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), was held on April 25 - 29, 2016. Thanks to Caroline Molnar, Library Media and Technology Coordinator, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event. The library received a grant of $500 of selected multicultural children's books from the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL).
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CSMCL 2016 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Beardstown Houston Memorial Public Library (Beardstown, IL)
Beardstown Houston Memorial Public Library, Beardstown, Illinois, was the winner of the 2016 Día Grant with an African American focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL). The program’s theme titled, “One Community, Many Stories,” implemented the theme of cultures, stories, and community. The program’s goal was designed to connect with the various cultures in the community and to learn more about their lives through the stories they can tell. Their Día program, El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), was held on April 12, 2016. Thanks to Trisha Scott, Director, who wrote the grant and coordinated event. The library received a grant of $500 of selected multicultural children's books from the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL).
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CSMCL 2015 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Rippon Middle School (Woodbridge, VA)
Rippon Middle School in Woodbridge, VA, was the winner of the 2015 Día Grant with an African American Focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature. The theme was "Children's Book Day: See Yourself in a Book." Their Día program, El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), was held on April 30, 2015. Special thanks to school librarian, Jenifer Pickens, who wrote the grant and coordinated the event.
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CSMCL 2014 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Northwood Fine Arts & Science Elementary School (Crestview, FL)
Northwood Fine Arts & Science Elementary School in Crestview, FL was one of two winners of the 2014 Día Grant with an African American Focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature. The library presented the Harlem Renaissance Día Celebration, a multicultural literacy celebration of El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Childrens Day/Book Day). The library received a grant of $500 of selected multicultural childrens books from the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature. Special thanks to school librarian Kristal Petruzzi, who wrote the grant and coordinated the school wide event.
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CSMCL 2014 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Seminole County Public Library (Casselberry, FL)
Seminole County Public Library in Casselberry, FL was one of two winners of the 2014 Día Grant with an African American Focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature. The library presented Dress, Drums, and Dance of Orisirisi African Folklore, a multicultural literacy celebration of El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day). The five-program events were held in April at five branch library locations. Featured performers were: Don and Ilenbilu Adetutu Harrell. The library received a grant of $500 of selected multicultural children's books from the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature.
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CSMCL 2013 Día Grant Winners with an African American Focus:
Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center, Queens Library System, Corona, NY
Ocean County Library, Lakewood Branch, Lakewood, NJ
Inglewood Public Library, Main Branch, Inglewood, CA
Langston Hughes Community Library an Cultural Center
Queens Library, Corona, NY
“Bebop, Doo, Hip and Hip-Hop, Doo, Be: A Celebration of African-American Musical Styles”
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Ocean County Library, Lakewood Branch, Lakewood, NJ
“Celebrating Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros”
Inglewood Public Library, Main Branch, Inglewood, CA
“Celebrating Día with Zomo the Rabbit”
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CSMCL 2012 Día Grant Winner with an African American Focus:
Rudisill Regional Library (Tulsa, OK)
Tulsa City-County Library's Rudisill Regional Library was the winner of the 2012 Día Grant with an African American Focus sponsored by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature. The theme was Día Day at Rudisill. Their Día program, El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day), which was held on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Congratulations!
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