Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros is back Saturday, April 30, and here’s what you can expect this year as the free books day returns to being an in-person event.

As has been the case since its inception, thousands of brand-new books will be given away to children who attend the celebration to encourage them to not only read more, but to ditch the screen every now and then and do it old school.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

The children's day book day dates back to 1997, and is a partnership spearheaded by the El Paso Public Library and El Paso Parks and Recreation.

It is the largest and most successful literacy celebration of its type in the Southwest. This year’s free book giveaway marks its 26th anniversary.

26th Annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros

The 2022 Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros will take place at Memorial Park Reserve in Central. The day includes live entertainment, jumping balloons, and activity booths – all free.

Imperial Border Squad - Stormtrooper Ranch Facebook
Imperial Border Squad - Stormtrooper Ranch Facebook
loading...

Imperial Border Squad, a local Star Wars fan club dedicated to celebrating the iconic movie franchise through costuming, will make a special appearance, as will El Paso-based luchadora and luchador Dulce Tormenta and Dastan Theprince.

Jesus Rosales
Jesus Rosales
loading...

Sun City Stealth woman’s tackle football team will be hosting a free girl’s football camp during the event.

The camp is open to all girls in the first through 12th grade at no cost, and although preregistration is encouraged, walk-up registration on Saturday is also an option.

Sun City Stealth Facebook
Sun City Stealth Facebook
loading...

And new this year, the day's festivities includes free swimming from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Memorial Park Aquatics Facility.

Free Books

But the star of the day are the books. Kids can expect to receive several new books thanks to generous donations from the community via Chick Fil-A on the west side, and contributions from Black Fridays, and El Paso author Luke Lowenfield and artist Hal Marcus.

ma
ma
loading...
El Paso Public Library
El Paso Public Library
loading...
City of El Paso, Texas - Municipal Government
City of El Paso, Texas - Municipal Government
loading...

Schedule of Events

• Stage Entertainment: 10 AM to 4 PM
• Football Camp for Girls: 10 AM Registration
• Football Camp: 11 AM to 3 PM
• Imperial Border Squad: 10 AM to 1 PM
• Story Corner: 11 AM to 3 PM
• Free Swimming for Children: 1 PM to 4 PM
• Lucha Libre Exhibition: 1 PM to 1:30 PM
• Karate Exhibition: 2 PM to 2:30 PM

Día de los Niños At-a-Glance

• Saturday, April 30, 2022
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Memorial Park Reserve, 3100 Copper Street

How to Get to Memorial Park Reserve

KEEP READING: 50 activities to keep kids busy this summer

More From KLAQ El Paso