Arizona PBS partners with Phoenix Public Library to host Be My Neighbor Day 2026

Arizona PBS will host its annual Be My Neighbor Day at South Mountain Community Library in March.

Be My Neighbor Day is a free, family event celebrating what it means to be a kind neighbor, which is what Mister Rogers taught to generations of children. Families will be able to enjoy storytelling, crafts and activities at South Mountain Community Library on March 21 starting at 10 a.m. Children can learn ways to be a caring neighbor and a good friend.

Families and kids are encouraged to make handmade welcome cards for people adopting a pet in partnership with the Arizona Humane Society. The goal is to reinforce acts of kindness, compassion, while teaching children about community.

Be My Neighbor Day was inspired by the PBS animated series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Daniel Tiger will be making an appearance to greet children and families.

South Mountain Community Library will also celebrate Fred Roger’s birthday (March 20) and honor his memory during Be My Neighbor Day. The host of Reading Rainbow Live, Mychal Threets, and Stacey Gordon, the puppeteer of Sesame Street character Julia will also be there to celebrate. Julia is known for being the first autistic character on the show.

For more than 30 years, Fred Rogers was a beloved American television host, author and producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on PBS. Mister Rogers Neighborhood inspired PBS’ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood series.

When is Be My Neighbor Day?

Admission: Free

When: Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. – noon

Location: South Mountain Community Library, 7050 South 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Why is Be My Neighbor Day important?

Arizona PBS assistant director for education and community impact Lisa Ann Sepulveda has helped organize the BNMD event since 2021.

“Be My Neighbor Day reflects the heart of what we do at Arizona PBS’s Education & Community Impact Unit,” Sepulveda said. “We empower parents and build communities. Inspired by Fred Roger’s message of kindness and belonging, this event gives children and families meaningful ways to practice empathy, generosity and community engagement in real ways.”

The Arizona PBS Education and Community Impact team will be collecting donations for the Arizona Humane Society. Community members can donate much-needed items such as gently used blankets and towels for animals up for adoption.

Fred Rogers Productions and the PNC Foundation donated $1.4 million to support Alma’s Way, a PBS KIDS animated series. The series is about a six-year-old Puerto Rican girl who learns from her mistakes. The funding also goes toward community events and initiatives such as Be My Neighbor Day. 

The PNC Grow Up Foundation is a collaborating supporter with Fred Rogers Productions to bring Be My Neighbor Day events across the country, including the one here in Phoenix.

Hundreds of thousands of people across the nation have attended Be My Neighbor Day events over the years. The events are a way for families and children to give back to their communities.