Oñati's Children's Library is hosting its fourth 'pajama party' for stuffed animals this Thursday, an initiative aimed at encouraging reading and library use among children aged 3 to 5. This original event, which surprises youngsters through their playmates, has been highly successful in promoting literacy.

A study by experts from Okayama University in Japan found that stuffed animals are an effective way to get children to read. This finding has inspired 'Stuffed Animal Sleepover' events in libraries worldwide, including the one in Oñati, which debuted in 2017.

The primary goal of the activity is for children to identify the library as a vibrant and engaging place by seeing how much their toys have enjoyed themselves. This approach introduces them to the municipal service and the adventure of reading, which is a significant stimulus for creativity, imagination, intelligence, verbal skills, and concentration.

The Children's Library encourages children aged 3 to 5 to bring their favorite stuffed animal for an overnight stay. On Friday, when they collect their toys, they can see how much fun they had through photographs, and will be encouraged to read the same stories their toys 'read' or even read to them again.

The magic of the pajama party lies in children observing their stuffed animals enjoying reading and exploring the library's collection, playing computer games, cards, or parcheesi, eating pizza and popcorn, listening to music, and brushing their teeth. It's a festive celebration with a clear objective: to surprise them through their playmates and bring them closer to the library service.