Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation - Books & Me Chinese Children's Library

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What is Books & Me? Who is running Books & Me?
Do I need to pay to use Books & Me's services?
How do I get a Library Card?
How many books or materials can I borrow from Books & Me and for how long?
What are your operating hours? Can I return books during non-operating hours?
What kind of books and materials do you have?
What is the proper age of children to visit Books & Me?
Can I eat or drink in the library?

What is Books & Me? Who is running Books & Me?
Books & Me Children's Chinese Library is a service brought to you by the Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation (ZCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in California. The Books & Me Children's Chinese Library aims to provide high quality Chinese books, audio/video materials and culturally significant activities for children through on-site and lending services.
Do I need to pay to use Books & Me's services?
Currently, Books & Me provides free onsite and lending services for books, audio and video materials. You will need a Library Card to enjoy these services. Limitations and fines/penalties may apply. Please refer to Library Policy and Terms of Use for details.
In the future, the Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation may also provide some activities or classes for children and their parents with or without charge. Please visit our website regularly for announcements.
How do I get a Library Card?
Any resident of California 18 or older with proper identification and verification of residence address may apply for a Library Card. One library card is issued per family. The Library Card can be applied for in the Library only. You will need a valid drivers license or state-issued ID. The process may take about 5-10 minutes.
The registered borrower is responsible for all charges incurred for any overdue, lost or damaged library materials. The first card is free. A $10 fee will be charged for every replacement card. For more information regarding the Library Card, please refer to the Library Policy.
How many books or materials can I borrow from Books & Me, and for how long?
All items taken out of the library must be checked out with a Library Card. It is illegal to remove an item from the library without first checking it out. No more than 6 items (including books, audio, and video items) at any give time period can be checked out under one Library card. Loan period for all materials is 2 weeks. Outstanding materials can be renewed once if no one has reserved the same item. Overdue, lost or damaged items will be charged a fee according to the Library Policy.
What are your operating hours? Can I return books during non-operating hours?
Current library hours are posted under the policies section of our web site. You can return materials by dropping them into the "Book Return" slot on the side of the front door of Books & Me Library during non-operating hours.
What kind of books and materials do you have?
We have Chinese children's books in both Traditional and Simplified Chinese characters. We also have children's audio and video materials in Mandarin, Cantonese and Taiwanese. Selections may not be evenly distributed due to numbers of outstanding items in different markets and cost of procurement. Topics cover natural sciences, history, culture, education, Chinese learning aids, and more. Please check our booklist for a sample listing.
What is the proper age for children to visit Books & Me?
Books & Me's current collection targets children age 12 and below with an emphasis on picture books for younger children or beginning readers. Since reading ability varies between children of the same age, age is not the only factor deciding suitability. We also have some books and materials regarding culture and Chinese language learning which may be suitable for all ages. In the future, Books & Me plans to expand its collection to serve children of all ages and even parents. So, please check back frequently.
Can I eat or drink in the library?
Currently, the limited space of the Library does not allow for a specific eating area. To maintain the cleanliness of the facility and minimize damage to books and materials, food and drinks are NOT allowed in the Library. The Library provides free drinking water for visitors in designated areas. If your child/ren get hungry, please take him/her/them to your car or other place for a snack. We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.