One Hour of Spanish Stories, Music, Crafts at Pasadena Library

Bilingual Spanish speakers will enjoy an hour of stories, music and crafts during “Léeme un Cuento” or “Read Me a Story” at the Pasadena Library-La Pintoresca Branch every Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

The participants will listen to the reading of Spanish-language books and Spanish songs, and watch a short DVD in Spanish. The program will end with a craft-making activity.

“It’s great to have fellowship with our community in Spanish,” said one of the parents who had attended the event. “And to expose the kids to various new books and traditional songs.”

The program will be led by library staff member Lupia, an animated reader who the library said the participants enjoy listening to.

“This program has taught my child how to work in a group, how to count, color, pay attention… and she loves the books,” another parent said.

Most of the previous participants are native Spanish-speakers, bilingual, or have children who are attending dual language schools. The parents who do not speak English may also come to participate in a literacy program with their children.

“I am bilingual and recognize the great benefits I have being bilingual. I want my children to have the same opportunities,” one of the parents said. “Children learn a lot through song and books, and I had no access to these prior to this program.”

One of the event organizers said literacy begins at an early age, and that when a family embraces literacy, children are more likely to do better academically. Reading to a child in the primary language spoken at home also benefits the child’s critical thinking skills.

The program is supported in part by the US Institute of Museum and Library Services. The funding is administered by the California State Librarian.

Admission is free of charge and is open to the public, including non-Spanish speakers.

Pasadena Library-La Pintoresca Branch is located at 1355 North Raymond Ave. Call (626) 744-7268 or visit http://www.cityofpasadena.net/library for more information.