Explore culture, history, and connection at the Denver Public Library this April. Our diverse lineup of programs celebrates storytelling, heritage, and shared experiences. Enjoy Arabic Storytime, try your hand at block print Arabic calligraphy, or join a bilingual financial empowerment session. Families can celebrate Día del Niño with music, crafts, and community fiestas, while history lovers can trace their ancestry, experience an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, or dive into the past with storytelling and poetry. Plus, don’t miss literary highlights like An Evening with Marcelo Hernandez Castillo and an author talk with Vauhini Vara.

Día del Niño

Elisa & Leo: Latin American Folk Songs

Tuesday, April 22, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Ross-Broadway

Uruguayan singer Elisa Garcia and Mexican percussionist Leo Muñoz-Corona will take listeners on a Latin American journey, blending Cuban boleros, Mexican huapangos, cumbias, and South American songs to celebrate the region’s rich rhythmic traditions. All ages are welcome.

Make Your Own Paper Bag Piñata

Join us in celebrating Día del Niño by creating your own colorful piñata from a paper bag, tissue paper, streams, and string!

• Wednesday, April 23, 4-5 p.m., Ford-Warren

• Saturday, April 26, 2-4 p.m., Hampden

• Monday, April 28, 10:30-11 a.m., Decker

Peruvian Arpilleras Folk Art Class

Explore Peruvian traditions while crafting three-dimensional Peruvian arpilleras from diverse materials. Arpilleras are vibrant, handsewn textile artworks that foster storytelling, creativity, and self-expression. Ideal for ages 5-12.

• Thursday, April 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Valdez-Perry

• Saturday, April 19, 1-2:45 pm, Montbello

• Wednesday, April 23, 6-7:30 pm., Hampden

Día del Niño Fiesta!

Come dance, play games, craft, snack, and celebrate all the ways young people are wonderful and important! 

• Wednesday, April 23 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Bear Valley

• Friday, April 18 11-11:45 a.m., Montbello

• Saturday, April 26, 12-1 p.m., Virginia Village

• Saturday, April 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sam Gary

• Saturday, April 26, 1-2:30 p.m., Woodbury

• Saturday, April 26, 2-4 p.m., Valdez-Perry

• Saturday, April 26, 2-4 p.m., Hadley 

• Sunday, April 27, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Central Library

Art and Crafts for Kids

Tuesday, April 29, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Eugene Field

Celebrate Día del Niño by making your own hojalata—traditional folk art. Turn blank pieces of tin into embossed masterpieces full of designs, animals, and imagination. Come create your own!

Culture + Storytelling

Park Hill Writers’ Workshop

Thursday, April 10, 1:30-3 p.m., Park Hill

Teaching artist Andrea Asali will lead a workshop in using insights from psychology and sociology to craft compelling characters and bring your stories to life. All levels of experience are welcome, no registration required. 

Genealogy Drop In Help

Thursday, April 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Blair-Caldwell

Drop in for help using DPL tools to explore your family history or genealogy questions!

An Evening with Marcelo Hernandez Castillo: Poetry, Memoir & the Search for Home

Friday, April 11, 6-8 p.m., Lighthouse Writers Workshop, 3844 York St.

Join us for an evening with Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, an award winning poet, memoirist, and advocate whose work explores migration, identity, love, and belonging. 

Family Storytelling

Saturday, April 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Hadley

Join us for fun and interactive storytelling and story based games.

Writing Your Life Stories through Guided Autobiography for People 50+

Thursdays, April 17 and 24, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Ross-Cherry Creek

Learn to capture your life stories using themes, questions, and exercises. No writing experience necessary! Register at denlib.org/GAB.

Author Talk: Vauhini Vara on Searches

Thursday, April 17, 6-8 p.m., Central Library, Floor 1, Park View

Join Pulitzer Prize finalist and Colorado Book Award winner Vauhini Vara for a reading from her new book Searches, followed by a Q&A and book signing. Registration required.

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony

Saturday, April 26, 3-4:30 p.m., Blair-Caldwell

Join us in celebrating Ethiopian culture with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Hewan of Endless Coffee Grind will lead the ceremony and participants are welcome to enjoy a cup of authentic Ethiopian coffee. Register now!

Arab American Heritage Month

Arabic Storytime

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children in Arabic! Ideal for ages 0-10 and their caregivers.

• Saturdays April 5 and 26, 10:30-11:30 am., Virginia Village

• Saturday April 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Bear Valley 

• Saturday April 19,10:30-11:30 a.m., Ross-Broadway

Block Print Arabic Calligraphy on Pencil Cases

Saturday, April 19, 12:30-2 p.m., Hampden

Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month by exploring the beauty of Arabic calligraphy through block printing in this hands on, family-friendly workshop. All ages are welcome, including youth ages 8+ with an adult. Arabic interpretation will be available. 

Financial Empowerment and Protection (Bilingual English & Arabic)

Tuesday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 22, 4:30-6 p.m., Virginia Village 

Monday, April 21, 4:30-6p.m., Bear Valley 

Join Coach Yannek Smith from the Denver Financial Empowerment Center for a presentation on the basics of financial wellness in America. Arabic interpretation will be available.

Author: Mile High Mamas