Families in Grants Pass will have a chance to experience storytelling that crosses languages and cultures as the Josephine Community Library prepares to host a bilingual storytime in recognition of National Día de los Libros, also known as Book Day.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Grants Pass branch, where children and their families will be welcomed into a shared reading experience presented in both English and Spanish. Library organizers say the goal is simple but meaningful: bring people together through stories that can be understood, enjoyed, and remembered regardless of the language spoken at home.
At the heart of the event is a bilingual reading of A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni, a classic children’s book that explores themes of identity and belonging through the journey of a chameleon searching for a place where he fits. The story will be read aloud in both English and Spanish, allowing young listeners to hear the rhythm and meaning of each language side by side.
Following the reading, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on craft activity designed to reinforce the story’s themes while giving children a creative outlet. Library staff note that these interactive elements are a key part of engaging young readers and helping stories resonate beyond the page.
The bilingual storytime is part of a broader recognition of National Día de los Libros, which is celebrated annually on April 30. Since 1996, the American Library Association has supported the observance as a way to highlight the importance of literacy, cultural diversity, and access to books for children and families across the country. Events like this one in Grants Pass reflect that mission at the local level, creating opportunities for families to connect through reading while also embracing multiple languages.
Organizers emphasize that the event is designed to be accessible to everyone in the community. No registration is required, and attendees do not need to have a library card to participate. The open format is intended to remove barriers and encourage families who may be new to the library or unfamiliar with its programs to attend and explore what is available.
Library representatives say they hope the bilingual format will not only support language development for young children but also foster a sense of inclusion and curiosity. By hearing stories in two languages, children can begin to recognize connections between words, sounds, and meanings while also gaining an appreciation for cultures beyond their own.
The Josephine Community Library continues to expand its programming with events that reflect the needs and diversity of the community it serves. This upcoming storytime is one example of how local institutions are working to make literacy both engaging and accessible, meeting families where they are and inviting them into a shared space built around learning and imagination.
More information about library programs and services is available at josephinelibrary.org or by contacting the library directly.