Is it a bee? Is it a zebra? No, it’s the Longmont Public Library bilingual coordinator Lillian Bucio leading a group of children in an arts and crafts activity. With the use of costumes and activities, she’s built a community of multicultural residents through the De Colores program.
De Colores began in April, acting as a bridge between the city of Longmont, the library and Longmont residents. Children and their families gather at Lanyon Park every Saturday to read, dance and share their stories.
“It is an organic way of creating cultural, educational and entertainment programs for our diverse community, and helping them to improve their quality of life,” Bucio said.
The first hour of the event encourages bilingual literacy and develops children’s self-esteem. Attendees converse amongst themselves, exchanging knowledge and cultural experiences.
The second hour consists of arts and crafts while Bucio shares library resources available to the community at no cost. Many children don’t have access to art materials and are unable to exercise their creativity, she said. But every week, they become comfortable with their artistic abilities and their mastery of English.
“Little by little, they feel confident and see that the English language is something that can help them connect with the community,” Bucio said.
De Colores has formed a small, but mighty, group of loyal attendees, disregarding harsh weather conditions. Bucio said some families attend even when it’s windy, rainy or when other community events are occurring at the same time.
Bucio reflected on a significant moment when the Latino Festival was scheduled for the same Saturday as the De Colores Program. She ventured into Lanyon Park, confident that the weekly gathering would be empty. To her surprise, a family was waiting, with a young boy anxious to get started with De Colores.
“The little one said, ‘I told you! I told you! She’s here!”
Bucio aims to spread her love for reading, dancing and being proud of one’s heritage … all while being dressed up in a butterfly costume.
