 
Books and Me Children's Chinese Library, founded in 2005 by the Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation, is the first Children's library in Northern California with free membership.
Our library aggregates more than 6000 Chinese books, in simplified and traditional characters, and audio/visual media for young children.
Our 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 membership, please find the link under "Library Info" on this page. Books and Me Library also offers FREE Mandarin Story Time on Saturdays, as well as paid enrichment classes taught in Mandarin to facilitate a Chinese immersion environment.
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Books and Me Library is now open on Monday and Tuesday, 11:00am to 3:00pm and Saturdays from 9:30am to 4:00pm for drop in services. From Wednesdays to Fridays, appointments are required by email with your Books and Me library ID number before your visit. To ensure safety, masks are still required on site.
- 2023 Winter/Spring Class Registration Starts NOW!
Please carefully read Terms and Conditions of Class Registration and details of each class flyers below to choose the right group. To register, please fill out Winter/Spring 2023 Class Registration Form ! You will receive a PayPal invoice within 2 business days for payment. Registration is not completed until you make the payment.
- Winter/Spring 23 Mandarin Music Circle Time with Movement
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.
Class meets on Saturdays:
1/28 Special One Time Trial: $20 tuition will be applied to regular tuition of full session if decided to sign up full term.
Session A: 2/11-4/1, no class 2/4 and 2/25.
Session B: 4/22-6/3, no class 5/27.
In Person Groups:
MCTM61: for 20 months to 4 year olds, 9:15-9:55 am.
- Chinese Idios and Traditional Festivals Class
The class will introduce 1-2 Chinese Idioms through stories and then use videos, pictures, online and table games, craft activities etc to reinforce students� memories of the idioms. Every month, the teacher will also introduce the Traditional Chinese Festivals in the month.
In Person Groups:
IDTH31 (Grade 1-4): Wednesday, 3:30-4:20pm.
IDTH32 (Grade 5-8): Wednesday, 4:30-5:40pm.
For monthly class dates and Traditional Festival theme, please refer to the flyer.
- Winter/Spring 23 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.
Class meets on Saturdays:
Session A - Everyday Objects: 1/14-3/25, no class 1/28, 2/4, 2/18.
Session B - Spring Theme: 4/1-6/3, no class 4/8, 5/27.
Please choose groups by age:
In Person Groups:
WA61: 9:30-10:30, for 8-11 year olds
WA62: 10:45-11:30, for 4-5 year olds. *NEW:Trial class available for this group.
WA63: 11:45-12:45, for 6-8 year olds.
WA65: 3:45-5:15, for 11+ (including high schoolers) or younger students by invitations only.
Online Groups:
WA64V1: 1:00-1:45, for 4-8 year olds. *NEW: Trial class available for this group.
WA64V2: 2:30-3:30, for 8-11 year olds.
*Please email librarian@zhaoyu.org for trial classes!
High School Art Portfolio Group:
WAPRO: 5:15-7:15, by invitation only, for experienced high schoolers to establish an art portfolio for college application.
- Winter/Spring 23 Mandarin Chinese Class
**Now offer Partial Terms Registration**
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.
Class meets on Saturdays:
Session A: 1/14-3/18, no class 2/18.
Session B: 3/25-6/3, no class 4/8, 5/27.
In Person Groups:
MC60: for 4-6 year olds, 10:00-10:45 am.
MC61: for 3-4 year olds, 10:50-11:30 am, accepting Beginners.
- Winter/Spring 23 Cantonese for Young Children
Instructed by professional teacher who is also a native Cantonese speaker.
Class will meet on Saturday mornings.
Class meets on Saturdays:
Session A: 1/14-3/18, no class 2/18.
Session B: 3/25-6/3, no class 4/8, 5/27.
All online Groups:
CT62V (7-12 year olds): 9:00-9:50, for advance students.
CT61V (5-8 year olds): 10:00-10:50
CT60V (4-8 year-olds): 11:00-11:50, for beginners with basic Cantonese listening skills.
- Winter/Spring 23 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 Groups
Session A: 1/17-3/21, no class 2/21.
Session B: 3/28-5/30, no class 4/4.
ABA23V: 5:30-6:30
ABA24V: 6:30-7:30 (Advance group, by invitation only.)
Saturday Online Groups
Session A: 1/14-3/18, no class 2/18.
Session B: 3/25-6/3, no class 4/8, 5/27.
ABA61V: 2:30-3:30
ABA62V: 3:30-4:30, for Beginners
ABA63V: 4:30-5:30
For further question regarding Winter/Spring 2023 Classes, please email librarian@zhaoyu.org.
- Information about Fall 2022 Classes:
Fall Wonderful Art Class
Fall Mandarin Chinese Class
Fall Cantonese for Young Children
Fall Abacus and Mental Math Class
To register Fall 2022 Classes, please fill out Fall 2022 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: 11:30am-Noon.
Children's stories told in Mandarin, free for children 2-10 year-old of members. Please sign up here!
- Library Operating Hours:
| Monday |
11 am - 3 pm; NO appointment needed |
| Tuesday |
11 am - 3 pm ; NO appointment needed |
| Wednesday |
11 am - 3pm ; visits by appointment only |
| Thursday |
11 am - 3 pm; visits by appointment needed |
| Friday |
11:00am - 3 pm; visits by appointment only |
| Saturday |
9:30 am - 4 pm; NO appointments needed |
| Sunday |
closed |
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 - Inquisitive Rabbits
Suggested Reading List (Chinese editions):
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Book: White Rabbit's Colors
Written by: Allen Baker
One day, White Rabbit sees three big pots of paint, red, yellow, and blue. She hops from one paint pot to another, changing colors as she goes, until she ends up brown. The cute book tells little kids about magic mixing colors and also introduces "sensations" that colors can cause; for example, white rabbit thinks blue makes her feel cool and red is sizzling. The “Rabbit Series” makes young children enjoy following the inquisitive LITTLE RABBITS as they make new discoveries. Simple storylines and playful artwork offer a fresh approach to learning early concepts. Traditional Chinese, suitable for children over two years old.
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Book: Rabbit Is Jumping Rope
Written by: Jing Zhou
It is a bright and sunny day. Rabbit invites friends to jump rope in the woods and wakes up the lazy cat who is taking a nap. The lazy cat is angry, and tramples on the dishes……; This story teach children to recognize jumping, stepping, running and other characters with the Chinese radical: "zu(足)" . This set of "Early Reading Game Book" integrates stories, games, and teaching activities. Each book guides kids to learn a Chinese radical. Traditional Chinese, Pinyin, suitable for children over three 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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