Partnership Brings Free Multicultural Children’s Books to Libraries

Partnership Brings Free Multicultural Children’s Books to Libraries

Austin– The Texas Center for the Book working in concert with First Book is bringing a new opportunity to help libraries celebrate Lone Star Día this April. The program is designed to support libraries who serve children in need.

“Lone Star Día is our Texas celebration of El día de los niños, El día de los libros, founded in 1996 by author and literacy advocate Pat Mora to encourage a love of books and reading among children of all cultures,” said Mark Smith, Director and Librarian at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Grants of $200 will be available to purchase multicultural titles to augment Lone Star Día programs. Librarians will be able to use the funds towards books they select from the First Book Marketplace, which offers a wide array of diverse titles for children.

“Lone Star Día can be a great way to help encourage and reinforce the power of reading among all people in our communities,” adds Smith.

Information about the program and how libraries may apply is available at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/lonestardia. The Texas Center for the Book is one of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The funding is made possible by the Edouard Foundation and the Friends of Libraries and Archives of Texas.

First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need. Since founding in 1992, First Book has distributed more than 170 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families.

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About the Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information they need to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic, and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information visit tsl.texas.gov.