Children are naturally drawn to stories — colorful pages, exciting adventures and characters who feel like friends. Chicago Public Library brings that magic to life at Día de Los Niños y Libros: A Celebration of Children and Books on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“This celebration began as a way to highlight the importance of children’s rights and well-being,” shares CPL children’s librarian Joshua Farnum. “It’s modeled after El Día del Niño, a beloved tradition in Latin America, and has grown into a way to celebrate children, families and the vibrant cultures that make our city great.”
See what’s planned for this beloved Chicago Public Library tradition of more than 10 years.
Book-centric activities for the whole family
“We love seeing multigenerational families come to enjoy sharing books, creating art, listening to music, playing games and interacting with our volunteers and staff,” Farnum says.
This four-hour celebration includes a full line-up of drop-in activities:
- Suncatcher mandala, buggy headband and pinch pot crafts
- Mariachi music and a Bollywood dance show
- All-ages dance workshop
- Interactive music and magic show
- Daisy from Kids’ Nature Cat, on the local WTTW PBS station
- Sensory-friendly play spaces for babies and toddlers
- Clay, engineering and hands-on art projects for older kids
- Open-ended activities for all ages and abilities
- Día-themed scavenger hunt
- Fun giveaways
Every child also gets a free book, and families can take a digital portrait keepsake with a professional photographer.
Don’t miss the special features at specific times
Plan ahead to check out:
- 10 a.m. — Bonus! Come early for a Family Story Time on the second floor
- 11 a.m. — Art and play activity stations open
- 11:30 a.m. — Meet local author Karla Valenti (who writes picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels)
- 12:15 p.m. — Hear student musicians Mariachi Los Pumas
- 1 p.m. — Join the Bollywood Groove dance show and workshop
- 2 p.m. — Enjoy Miss Make-Believe’s music and magic
What to know before you go
- No registration is needed — just drop in anytime from 11 to 3.
- Family Story Time starts early at 10 a.m. at Thomas Hughes Children’s Library.
- Public transportation is recommended, but parking lots and street spots are nearby.
- Families are welcome to bring snacks or lunches, with spaces available for breaks.
“This is a family-friendly event, with something for everyone,” Farnum says. “It’s totally up to each family how they participate.”
This content is sponsored by Chicago Public Library. Learn more about the Día de Los Niños y Libros: A Celebration of Children and Books event at chipublib.org.
