To mark the International Day of Libraries on October 24th, the El Paso City Council is extending the celebration throughout the entire month. The agenda, designed for family enjoyment, focuses on reading, oral storytelling, and performing arts, including writing workshops, poetry encounters, literary presentations, and theatrical performances to be held in various municipal venues.
Although the Antonio Pino Pérez Municipal Library is currently undergoing extensive renovations, the council is maintaining this special program, which has become an essential fixture in the local calendar. Mayor Eloy Martín highlighted that the construction work has not prevented the celebration of the ‘Library Month’, an event eagerly anticipated by people of all ages. "While we are improving its facilities, we continue to support projects and initiatives that reflect the importance of this space and the interest it generates among citizens," he stated.
The councilwoman responsible for the Municipal Library, Isabel García, explained that this initiative aims to highlight the library's work and bring it even closer to the residents. "Although we have had to adjust some locations, we will once again have a month full of activities," she affirmed.
The activities, coordinated by the Culture and Education departments, are aimed at audiences of different ages. Councilwomen Irinova Hernández and Teresa Hernández emphasized the variety of formats for engaging with literature, noting the work developed and the participation of families in programs that have been part of the library for years.
The program includes the El PasOral Oral Storytelling Festival, reading cycles and clubs (children's, youth, and adult), easy reading sessions, baby storytelling, family storytelling, and school events. The City Council expresses gratitude to the participating professionals, collectives, and entities, as well as the dedication of librarian Natalia Navarro.
Among the highlighted activities are the IV Oral Storytelling Cycle for school and adolescent audiences on Thursday, October 1st, at the IES El Paso, the poetry encounter ‘El Paso de los Poetas: Voces de Raíz’ on Friday, October 9th, at the Pino de la Virgen featuring Chus Pato and Elsa López, and the VIII ‘El PasOral’ Oral Storytelling Festival on Thursdays in October at the Casa de la Cultura. Creative writing workshops and thematic reading clubs will also be held.
The book ‘Sin respirar’ by Pablo Ramón Rodríguez will be presented on Friday, October 16th, at the Casa de la Cultura Braulio Martín Hernández. Additionally, there will be performances such as ‘Al Agua Patos’ and ‘Mi camino y otros cuentos’ on Friday, October 23rd, and ‘Cuentos en familia’ (Family Stories) on the same day at the library. The October 24th schedule includes ‘BBeCuentos’ en familia (Baby Stories for families) and the storytelling evening ‘Noche en la Biblioteca’ (Night at the Library).
The theatrical program will feature the performance ‘Cazopera’ on Monday, October 26th, at the Casa de la Cultura. On the same day, the Youth Reading Club will meet at the library. On Tuesday, October 27th, ‘Pepe y Tití’ will be presented, followed by a literary tour of the municipality's murals on Friday, October 30th, and the activity ‘Cuentos y Leyendas de La Palma’ (Tales and Legends of La Palma) at the Plaza Francisca de Gazmira.
Activities requiring prior registration can be formalized by calling 686 565 001 or emailing biblioteca@elpaso.es. While the renovation works are ongoing, library services will continue to be offered in Room 4 of the Casa de la Cultura Braulio Martín Hernández.
