 
*** Breaking News:
The fire on early morning of December 25 destroyed our building at 4600 El Camino Real. Books and Me Library lost everything, our books and media collections, the entire art studio, and the award winning student artworks and work in progress.
Fortunately, there was no one got hurt.
We have started our Winter/Spring 2024 Art and Abacus classes on time with an art studio and a classroom in a Palo Alto private school ! However, we are still evaluating how to reestablish the library service. A temporary library should be set up by end of March. If you would like to register for our classes, please email us at librarian@ zhaoyu.org.
If you want to make a donation to support Books and Me Library, please fill the Donation Form and use the PayPal donation link to make a donation. We are a California registered 501(c)3 non profit organization, so your donation is tax deductible.
Thank you for your special support in this difficult time. ***
Books and Me Children's Chinese Library, founded in 2005 by the Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation, is the first children's Chinese library in Northern California.
Our library aggregates more than 7000 titles of Chinese books (more than 10,000 books), in simplified and traditional characters, and audio/visual media for children between 0 and 12 year-olds. We also provide free weekly story times and periodical cultural activities to members.
Paid classes conducted in Chinese available for members who want more immersion opportunities.
- Basic membership allows members to check out up to 8 books for free! You may make a donation to become a VIP member with more benefits. To apply for Free Basic Membership, please click here.
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* Please refer to the Library Operating Hours chart on the right for drop in or appointments.
* To ensure safety, we highly recommend wearing masks while at our premises.
- ***We have resumed registration for Winter/Spring registration now.
** Most classes offer Try Out Program for new students, check flyers for details. **
To register:
1. Read the description of classes below and review detail information on each class flyer to choose the right group.
2. Read Terms and Conditions of Class Registration .
3. Fill out Winter/Spring 2024 Class Registration Form .
4. You will receive a PayPal invoice within 2 business days for payment.
5. Registration is not completed until you make the payment.
- Winter/Spring 2024 Cantonese for Young Children
Save the Cantonese language. The class is instructed by professional teacher who is also a native Cantonese speaker. Class meets on Saturday mornings. Two online groups and one in person group for beginners.
Online groups:
CT62V (7-12 year olds): 9:00-9:50, for advance students.
CT61V (5-8 year olds): 10:00-10:50, accept beginners with some Cantonese conversation skills.
In Person group: *** Temporarily holding online due to the fire. ***
CT60 (4-8 year-olds): 12:15-1:00pm, for beginners with basic Cantonese listening skills.
Session A: 1/13-3/16, no class 2/10, 2/17.
Session B: 3/23-5/25, no class 4/6.
- Winter/Spring 2024 Abacus and Mental Math Class
Plan to improve your child's math skills and learn to focus in the new school year? Come join the effective Elementary Abacus class. Our students, age 5 and above, won medals at regional competition! In the weekly class, they learn clear place values and number sense, and improve computation speed by special Abacus technics. Build solid foundation in math and gain confidence in the future class!
Tuesday Online Group:
ABA22V: 4:30-5:30
ABA23V: 5:30-6:30
ABA24V: 6:30-7:30, by invitation only.
Tuesday Class Dates:
Session A: 1/16-3/19, no class 2/13, 2/20.
Session B: 3/26-5/28, no class 4/2.
Saturday In-Person Beginner's Group:
ABA60: 2:30-3:15 pm
Saturday Online Groups:
ABA62V: 3:30-4:30
ABA63V: 4:30-5:30
Saturday Class Dates:
Session A: 1/13-3/16, no class 2/10, 2/17.
Session B: 3/23-5/25, no class 4/6.
- Winter/Spring 2024 Wonderful Art Class
Professional art teacher will lead your children to try various art media (sketch, watercolor, charcoal, acrylic....) and improve their drawing and painting skills. Children move through levels based on age and skill development.
Please refer to the flyer for themes of each session.
Please choose groups by age:
Saturday In Person Groups:
WA61(9-11 year olds): 9:15-10:30am, 75 min.
WA62(4-5 year olds): 10:45-11:30am, 45 min.
WA63(6-8 year olds): 11:45am-12:45pm, 60 min.
WA62/63P(4-7 year olds): 1:00-1:45pm, 45 min.
WA64(8-10 year olds): 2:30-3:30pm, 60 min.
WA65(11+ year olds): 3:45-5:15pm, 90 min.
Saturday Groups Class Dates:
Session A: 1/13-3/16, no class 2/10, 2/17.
Session B: 3/23-5/25, no class 4/6, 5/11.
Friday In Person Group:
WA51(8-10 year olds): 4:45-5:45pm, 60 min.
Friday Group Class Dates:
Session A: 1/12-3/15, no class 2/9, 2/16.
Session B: 3/22-5/24, no class 4/5, 5/10.
High School Art Portfolio Group (in person):
WAPRO(by invitation only): Saturday, 5:15-7:15pm, 120 min.
- Winter/Spring 2024 Mandarin Music Circle Time with Movement
*** Temporarily cancelled due to the fire! ***
Specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers who are accumulating Mandarin language terms. One theme per week introducing frequently used Mandarin terminology, e.g. colors, numbers, families, .... Weekly songs related to the theme reinforce the learning of little ones. The class also includes the very popular listening game and movement activities led by professional teacher.
MCTM61(20 months to 4 year olds): Saturdays, 11:00-11:35 am.
Session A: 1/13-3/16, no class 2/10, 2/17.
Session B: 3/23-5/25, no class 4/6.
- Winter/Spring 2024 Mandarin Chinese Class
*** Temporarily cancelled due to the fire! ***
All NEW curriculum and teaching method for your 3-6 years old! Learn to recognize Chinese characters in this fun class filled with songs, rhymes, games, and stories! 100% Mandarin Immersion. Individualized teaching for students at different ages.
In Person Group:
MC62(3-6 year olds):Saturdays, 10:10-10:50 am.
Session A: 1/13-3/16, no class 2/10, 2/17.
Session B: 3/23-5/25, no class 4/6.
For further question regarding Winter/Spring 2024 Classes, please email librarian@zhaoyu.org.
- Fall 2023 Classes:
Fall 23 Mandarin Music Circle Time with Movement
Fall 23 Mandarin Chinese Class
Fall 23 Cantonese for Young Children
Fall 23 Abacus and Mental Math Class
Fall 23 Wonderful Art Class
To register Fall 2023 Classes, please fill out Fall 23 Class Registration Form .
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- Books & Me Children's Chinese Library is open to MEMBERS only.
Membership is free. You will need a Books and Me Library Card to use the facility and check out library items. Please read our library policy carefully.
**To apply for a library card , please use this link: to apply online and email a proof of California Residency to librarian@zhaoyu.org to complete the application and need to pick up the library card later in person
**VIP Membership: Make a donation (min. $40/year) every year to receive borrowing privilege and priority in class registration; and help Books and Me Library provide better service to our community. Please fill out the form here .
or email us at librarian@zhaoyu.org for details.
**All check-out procedures have to be completed 15 minutes before closing time. It will be greatly appreciated if you can reserve enough time to browse and borrow our library materials when visiting the library.
**Due to our members' generosity, limited space, and the pandemic, we CANNOT accept any donation of books and Audio/Visual materials (CDs, VCDs, VHS, or cassette tapes) until further notice. We really appreciate your support to Books and Me Library
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Free Saturday In-Person Mandarin Story Time: 11:40am-Noon.
Children's stories told in Mandarin, free for children 3-10 year-old of members.
No need to sign up for regular story time.
- Library Operating Hours:
Due to Fire on 12/25, Books and Me Library has moved to a site in Palo Alto. All classes are being held as scheduled. Please contact us if you would like to join our membership or register for a class!
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4600 El Camino Real,
Suite 205
Los Altos, CA 94022
Tel: 650-941-4379 , Email: librarian@zhaoyu.org
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- Books and Me has thousands of books and audio/visual
materials for children, in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
Topics cover natural sciences,
history, culture, education, parenting and more.
- To renew library items, please email to
librarian@zhaoyu.org. You only can renew once per item.
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Library Theme - Travel
Suggested Reading List (Chinese editions):
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Book: Three of Me Go Traveling
Written by: Luqian Chen
"Happy me," "worried me," and "shy me" live together. The three of us want to see what the world looks like to others, so we're going on a trip together. "Worried Me" carries a big world map, "Shy Me" brings along a teddy bear, and "Happy Me" packs our bags. Aimless journeys let us discover unexpected scenery and beauty without even reaching the destination. This is a uniquely styled picture book; traveling serves as a metaphor, allowing oneself to explore unfamiliar people and situations, breaking free from familiar but rigid habits, and giving oneself the chance to encounter surprises in life. Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin, suitable for children over five years old.
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Book: Mr. Urumqi's Vacation
Written by: Yuqin Huang
Mr. Urumqi, a hardworking man, finally had a long vacation to rest. However, instead of enjoying it, he began to worry - where should he go for vacation? Unable to come up with an answer, he ended up losing sleep. So, Mr. Urumqi resorted to counting sheep to help him fall asleep. When he reached one thousand, he finally dozed off. To his surprise the next morning, his small garden was filled with one thousand little sheep! These little sheep ate voraciously, never getting full. As Mr. Urumqi watched the vast grassland being devoured, he couldn't sleep again. Although the story may seem absurdly whimsical, it subtly teaches young readers about responsibility and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of unexpected situations. The second edition is titled: "Mr. Urumqi's 1000 Little Sheep." Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin, suitable for children over five years old.
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- Volunteers:
The success of Books & Me depends on your involvement. We
are looking for volunteers in many fields. Please write to hr@zhaoyu.org if you are interested in
lending a hand.
- Library Assistant/Admin
- Marketing Assistant
- Storyteller/Activity Teacher
- Activity Organizer
- Web Engineer
- Representives from Chinese schools
- Book Carriers
- Equipment:
Your junk can be a treasure for us. Please contact gift@zhaoyu.org for equipment
donations.
- Chinese children's audio CDs with or without books
- Chinese children's videos
- A flat screen computer monitor 19" or larger
- A Computer projector SVGA resolution or better
- A Projector screen
Due to space constrain, we do not accept
English books, books for adults (except parenting books), and homework
practice type of books. We also do not accept toys and craft items
unless specified on the website.
- Donations:
Public support is essential to the success of the Library. Your
donation to Books & Me through the Zhaoyu Cultural
Foundation is tax deductible. A small donation can help us bring
more books and better service to your children and the community. For
more information, please click here, or contact us at: gift@zhaoyu.org.
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