Growing Readers, Growing Community: Cultivating Literacy and Connection in the Children’s Peace Garden

Discover the story of how a small outdoor Storytime in the neighborhood Children’s Peace Garden blossomed into a community initiative where books, nature, and relationships grow side by side. This session explores scalable ideas for creating intergenerational programs in outdoor garden spaces that encompass storytelling, music, art, and joyful connection with nature. We’ll reflect on the importance of inviting community participation and fostering collaborations that inspire creativity, belonging, and shared ownership. Hear from Valencia Library Storytime parents about how family engagement programs in the Children’s Peace Garden sparked their own creative endeavors and desire to give back through support and participation. This inspiring story will leave you with practical strategies and heart-led ideas for program design that grow both readers and community roots.

Learning Objectives:

Presenters:

Thania Mayorga serves as the Children’s Librarian at the Valencia Library/Pima County Public Library, where she leads Birth-to-8 programming focused on creating joyful literacy-rich experiences for children and families. With over 20 years of experience serving diverse communities, she specializes in developing Storytimes, STEAM programs for children, and outreach events that promote early literacy, family engagement, and equitable access to books. She embraces the power of stories to build meaningful connections and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Thania’s work in the Children’s Peace Garden reflects her commitment to cultivating literacy, peace, and community through storytelling. 

Beki Quintero is a lifelong Sunnyside resident, community advocate, and dedicated member of the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association. As President of the Sunnyside School District Governing Board, she is passionate about promoting education and expanding opportunities for youth in her community. Beki is the founder of the Children’s Peace Garden at Manuel Herrera Jr. Park—an inclusive, nurturing space where children grow plants, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Inspired by the garden’s impact, she authored In the Peace Garden, a children’s book whose proceeds support the creation of similar green spaces. Beki also partners with the Valencia Library to develop monthly Family Storytimes and community events in the Children’s Peace Garden that deepen community roots through learning and shared experience. 

Daniel Vandever (Diné) is an award-winning author and entrepreneur from Haystack, N.M., currently residing in Tucson, AZ. His debut picture book, Fall in Line, Holden!, was a 2018 Honor Book for the American Indian Youth Literature Award, and his follow-up, Herizon, was named Best Picture Book of 2022 by the American Indian Library Association. Daniel is the CEO of South of Sunrise Creative, a strategic communications firm advancing education initiatives through community-based solutions. His outreach includes school, library, and community center presentations that explore Navajo culture and history through readings, workshops, and lectures. As a dedicated Storytime parent and participant in the Children’s Peace Garden programs, Daniel is committed to supporting libraries as spaces of creativity, connection, and cultural celebration. 

Fausto Sanchez is the driving force behind the Desert View High School Band Booster, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to high-quality music education. He strengthens community ties by developing initiatives that connect literacy with the performing arts. Fausto discovered his love for libraries and storytelling while attending library Storytimes with his children, creating meaningful moments that deepened their family bond. With a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering, he champions STEAM education and hands-on exploration. Inspired by his family’s enthusiasm for books and library programs, Fausto now volunteers at the Valencia Library, where he collaborates with the children’s librarian to design dynamic STEAM activities and shares his expertise with Maker Space technologies.