 
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 6000 Chinese books, in simplified and traditional characters, and audio/visual media for young children. 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.
- Fall 2023 Class Registration starts now! Fall classes start on 9/9!
** Most fall 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 Fall 2023 Class Registration Form (will be available on 8/4).
4. You will receive a PayPal invoice within 2 business days for payment.
5. Registration is not completed until you make the payment.
- Fall 23 Mandarin Music Circle Time with Movement
* Try Out option available!
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 in person:
Session A: Tryout Specials: 10/7-10/21, 3 meetings /$75 .
Session B: 10/28-12/16, no class 11/25.
Age Target: 20 months to 4 year olds
Please note the New Class Time!
MCTM61: 11:00-11:35am.
- Fall 23 Wonderful Art Class
* Try Out option available!
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 group/session.
NEW!Friday In Person Session:
WA51(8-10 year olds): 4:45-5:45pm, 60 min.
Friday Group Class Dates:
Session A: 9/8-10/20.
Session B: 10/27-12/15, no class 11/24.
Please note special class time in the fall, and 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.
WA64(8-10 year olds): 2:30-3:30pm, 60 min.
WA65(11+ year olds): 3:45-5:15pm, 90 min.
Saturday Online Group:
WA6V(4-10 year olds): 1:00-1:45pm, 45 min.
Saturday Groups Class Dates:
Session A: 9/9-10/21.
Session B: 10/28-12/16, no class 11/25.
High School Art Portfolio Group (in person):
WAPRO(by invitation only): Saturday, 5:15-7:15pm, 120 min.
- Fall 23 Mandarin Chinese Class
* Try Out option available!
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: 9/9-10/21.
Session B: 10/28-12/16, no class 11/25.
In Person Groups:
Please note New Class Time:
MC62: for 4-6 year olds, 10:10-10:50 am.
- Fall 23 Cantonese for Young Children
* Try Out option available!
Save the Cantonese language. The class is instructed by professional teacher who is also a native Cantonese speaker. Class will meet on Saturday mornings.
Class meets on Saturdays, online:
Session A: 9/9-10/21.
Session B: 10/28-12/16, no class 11/25.
All 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.
CT60 (4-8 year-olds): 12:15-1:00pm, IN-PERSON CLASS for beginners with basic Cantonese listening skills.
- Fall 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 Group:
Session A: 9/12-10/24.
Session B: 10/31-12/19, no class 11/25.
ABA22V: 4:30-5:30, accepting new students!
ABA23V: 5:30-6:30
ABA24V: 6:30-7:30, by invitation only.
Saturday Online Groups:
Session A: 9/9-10/21.
Session B: 10/28-12/16, no class 11/25.
ABA62V: 3:30-4:30
ABA63V: 4:30-5:30
For further question regarding Fall 2023 Classes, please email librarian@zhaoyu.org.
- Summer 2023 Classes: (August session still accepts registration!)
Summer 23 Mandarin Music Circle Time with Movement
Summer 23 Wonderful Art Class
Summer 23 Mandarin Chinese Class
Summer 23 Cantonese for Young Children
Summer 23 Abacus and Mental Math Class
To register Summer 2023 Classes, please fill out Summer 2023 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:
| 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 - Mid-Autumn Festival
Suggested Reading List (Chinese editions):
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Book: "Taiwan Encyclopedia" Series: Mid-Autumn Festival
Written by: Qiu Ling Ling
The annual Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. However, nowadays fewer people understand why we celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and admire the moon on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This book guides children of all ages to further understand the "Mid-Autumn Festival". The content includes: the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival, various customs and legends about the Mid-Autumn Festival: reunion to appreciate the moon, worshiping the moon goddess, eating moon cakes, eating grapefruit, Folk activities such as worshiping the Earth God, the Su-ao swing race, and fighting for champion cakes are also introduced, as well as myths and legends such as Chang'e and Hou Yi, the toad in the moon, the Jade Rabbit making medicine, Wu Gang's cutting of laurels, and Emperor Ming's visit to the Moon Palace. This "Taiwan Encyclopedia" series is an encyclopedia written for children in Taiwan. Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin, suitable for children over five years old.
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Book: The Moon Lady
Written by: Feng Zhu Wu
Once upon a time there were ten suns in the sky which caused disaster to people. A man names Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, and turned into a beloved hero by people. However, Hou Yi became a conceited and cruel ruler, he wanted to live forever. His wife, Chang Er, stole the magic potion which would make her husband immortal.... "The Moon Lady" is a legend of Moon Festival. People worship the moon on every fifteenth day in lunar August to commemorate Chang Er. 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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